The Association of Corporate Communication and Marketing Professionals in Banks (ACAMB) recently celebrated its 30th anniversary in Lagos, Nigeria. The milestone was marked with a gala night attended by senior officials from the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), the Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria (CIBN), and industry leaders. ACAMB has played a critical role in helping banks communicate with the public, manage crises, and protect institutional reputation over the past three decades.
ACAMB's President, Jide Sipe, highlighted the association's achievements, stating that its members have stood between banks and the public, explaining policy, managing crises, and protecting reputations under intense pressure. Sipe emphasized that the association has remained consistent in its role, from being gatekeepers to strategic drivers in actualizing growth, positive brand perception, and customer satisfaction. He expressed pride in the association's contributions to the growth trajectory of the financial sector.
Sipe also emphasized the need for communication professionals to adapt to the evolving profession, with a greater focus on artificial intelligence, data, and digital media. He stated that the association would continue to strengthen the capacity of its members, providing mentorship for young professionals entering the industry. The association's mandate remains the same, earning trust one credible message at a time, and Sipe vowed to guard it with discipline for the next 30 years and beyond.
Chairman of the occasion and 24th President of CIBN, Dele Alabi, commended ACAMB's 30-year journey, describing it as a testament to perseverance and professionalism. Alabi noted that the association had made a far-reaching impact on the financial services industry and urged communication professionals to embrace innovation without compromising ethics. He referenced the CIBN's IMPACT vision, which prioritizes inclusion, membership, professionalism, and ethical conduct.
Representing the Deputy Governor of the CBN, Philip Ikeazor, the Acting Director, Corporate Communications and Investor Relations, Hakama Sidi Ali, emphasized the importance of clarity in communication. She challenged professionals to prioritize clarity over cleverness and view customers as the ultimate test of effectiveness and credibility. Sidi Ali noted that credibility built during quiet periods is crucial in times of crisis.
The Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of NIBSS, Premier Oiwoh, delivered the keynote address, highlighting the critical role of trust in the growth of digital banking. He noted that NIBSS had built Africa's first mature instant payment system 15 years ago and emphasized that trust is a fundamental requirement for the continued growth of the financial system. Oiwoh stated that banking is all about trust and that without trust, banking cannot stand.
The anniversary celebration also featured goodwill messages from industry leaders, including Oliver Alawuba, Group Managing Director/CEO of UBA, and Ademola Odeyemi, Managing Director/CEO of Optimus Bank. They commended ACAMB for its contributions to the financial sector and its role in bringing communication professionals together across competing institutions. The event concluded with networking sessions and recognition of professionals who have contributed to the growth of banking communication in Nigeria over the past three decades.
Key points
- ACAMB has played a critical role in shaping narratives and building trust in Nigeria's banking industry over the past 30 years.
