The Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria (CIBN) has conferred Chartered Banker status on three employees of Rokel Commercial Bank (RCBank) and one from Sierra Leone Commercial Bank (SLCB), Miriam Kama Konteh.
These professionals were inducted as Associate members of the institute on March 22, 2025, in Lagos, Nigeria, after successfully completing their final examinations in the October 2024 exam diet.
The newly conferred Chartered Bankers from RCBank are: Adikali S. Kamara – Head of Operations, RCBank, Aruna Dumbuya – Head of Public Relations, RCBank and Kadie Abdulai –-Supervisor, Finance Department, RCBank
Now eligible to use the professional designation ACIB (Associate of the Chartered Institute of Bankers), they join the ranks of distinguished banking professionals dedicated to excellence and ethical banking practices.
The CIBN 2025 Stream One Induction & Prize Awards Ceremony, themed “What Next?”, was hosted by the institute’s Registrar/Chief Executive, Akin Morakinyo, HCIB, who was also officially sworn in as an Associate of the Chartered Institute of Bankers.
In his welcome address, Professor Pius Deji Olarewaju, PhD, FCIB, President and Chairman of the CIBN Council, commended the inductees for their commitment to professional excellence. He also presented a Commendation and Recognition Award to keynote speaker Dr. Sarah Alade, OON, FCIB, former Deputy Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria.
Addressing the new inductees, the Deputy Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) emphasized the importance of continuous learning, strategic thinking, and professionalism in the banking sector. He encouraged them to embrace lifelong learning to navigate the evolving financial industry successfully.
Several distinguished banking professionals were also honored at the event, including: Dr. Bala M. Bello, HCIB – Deputy Governor, Operations Directorate, CBN, Mr. Kayode Falowo, HCIB – Chairman, Greenwich Merchant Bank Limited and Mr. Victor Etuokwu, MON, HCIB – Chairman, Board of Directors, Unified Payments Services Ltd
Their speeches served as a source of inspiration, urging the new associates to uphold integrity, excellence, and professionalism throughout their careers.
Path to Becoming a Chartered Banker. The newly inducted Chartered Bankers from RCBank achieved this professional milestone by completing: Rigorous educational programs covering key areas such as risk management, ethics, financial analysis, and banking regulations, Professional examinations set by CIBN. Relevant work experience in banking and financial services. A commitment to continuous professional development (CPD) to maintain and enhance their knowledge.
The Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria (CIBN) is the regulatory body for banking professionals in Nigeria. Established in 1976 as the Nigerian Institute of Bankers, it gained chartered status in 1990 and is currently governed by the CIBN Act 5 of 2007. The institute is responsible for setting professional banking standards, regulating the industry, and enforcing ethical conduct among its members.
Speaking on behalf of the inductees, Adikali S. Kamara, Head of Operations at RCBank, expressed gratitude for the opportunity and reflected on the challenges of pursuing professional banking qualifications in Sierra Leone. He acknowledged the vital role of the Sierra Leone Association of Commercial Banks (SLACB) in facilitating this achievement through its partnership with CIBN.
Kamara extended appreciation to key stakeholders and training institutions, including Epitoney Investment, Opsy Consult Limited, and CIBN Lagos, as well as individuals such as Shola Taylor-Pearce, Ajayi Rahman, and Apeoluwa Awolesi. He also recognized the Governor of the Bank of Sierra Leone for fostering professional growth within the banking sector.
In his closing remarks, Kamara urged his fellow inductees to uphold CIBN’s core values of Trust, Honesty, and Competence while striving for excellence in banking. He also expressed special appreciation to Dr. Walton E. Gilpin, Managing Director of RCBank, for his mentorship and guidance.
With this milestone, the newly certified Chartered Bankers are expected to make significant contributions to the advancement of the banking industry in Sierra Leone, Africa, and the global financial landscape.
