The President-elect of the Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria, Dele Alabi, has urged members of the banking community to close ranks and work together to preserve and deepen the institute’s legacy as he assumes leadership as the 24th President and Chairman of Council.

Alabi emerged president-elect at the institute’s Annual General Meeting in Lagos, a key event in CIBN’s structured succession process. His election marks another transition in the professional body that has long set standards for ethics, competence, and governance in Nigeria’s banking sector.

Addressing members after the announcement, Alabi framed his new mandate as a shared obligation rather than a personal achievement. He stressed that the institute’s continued relevance in a rapidly changing financial ecosystem would depend on the collective commitment of its members at home and abroad.

He described his election as “a call to service anchored on integrity, professionalism, and innovation,” and appealed to practitioners across all tiers of the industry to remain united. According to him, unity within the institute is essential to sustaining the trust it enjoys among regulators, financial institutions, and the public.

Alabi also paid tribute to the institute’s past leaders, singling out the immediate past president, Pius Olanrewaju, for laying what he called a strong institutional and financial foundation. Under previous councils, CIBN has expanded its professional certification programmes, strengthened its regulatory engagement, and deepened its role in capacity building for bankers.

Building on that foundation, Alabi signalled that his tenure would focus on positioning CIBN not just as a responder to global financial trends but as a thought leader capable of shaping them. He highlighted the need for the institute to guide the industry through emerging challenges such as digital banking, cybersecurity risks, financial inclusion, and evolving regulatory demands.

He noted that the institute’s credibility rests on the conduct of its members and reaffirmed a commitment to upholding strict ethical standards. By reinforcing professionalism and continuous learning, he said, CIBN can help Nigerian banks compete more effectively in regional and global markets.

Alabi’s call for unity is expected to frame the early phase of his presidency as he works with council members, regulators, and industry stakeholders to chart the institute’s next strategic direction.