Group managing director/chief executive officer of the United Bank for Africa Oliver Alawuba on Saturday bagged an award at the 2023 Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria (CIBN) Fellowship Investiture held in Lagos.
Alawuba, who was given a honorary fellowship award, noted that the banking sector has been playing a great role in the development of the economy.
“I would like to say that from time immemorial, the banking industry in Nigeria has played a greater role in the development of the economy of this country.
“And I think at a time like this when the economy is still being challenged, the banking industry can work with other stakeholders to ensure that this economy is revived for the benefit of all Nigerians.
“I believe that the banking industry has the expertise, commitment, and the wherewithal to ensure that the economy is reset for greater development,” he said.
Alawuba revealed that Nigerian banks were at the forefront of the Africa Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) initiative for economic integration.
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Earlier, the CIBN president/chairman of council Ken Opara noted that it was the first time the institute was conferring a posthumous award on an individual.
He said, “The late Prof. Sunday Oladeji, being conferred with this posthumous award, was a very diligent and committed scholar who served meritoriously as an examiner of the Institute for 33 uninterrupted years.
“He passed on to glory on June 12, 2023, shortly after he was recommended by the Board of Fellows and Practice License for the conferment of the award.’’
A total of 449 individuals were conferred awards at the event — 20 honorary fellows (including one posthumous award), 154 elected fellows and 275 honorary senior members.
