The Association of Corporate Communication and Marketing Professionals in Banks (ACAMB) recently celebrated its 30th anniversary, marking three decades of shaping narratives and building trust in Nigeria's banking industry. The milestone was commemorated at an anniversary gala night in Lagos, bringing together senior officials from regulatory bodies and industry leaders. The event provided a platform for stakeholders to reflect on the association's achievements and discuss the future of financial services.
ACAMB's President, Jide Sipe, highlighted the association's critical role in helping banks communicate with the public, manage crises, and protect institutional reputation over the past 30 years. He emphasized that members have stood between banks and the public, explaining policy, managing crises, and protecting reputations under intense pressure. Sipe expressed pride in the association's achievements, citing its contribution to the growth trajectory of the financial sector.
Sipe also emphasized the need for communication professionals to adapt to evolving trends, including artificial intelligence, data, and digital media. He stated that the association would continue to strengthen the capacity of its members, with a greater focus on mentorship for young professionals entering the industry. Sipe reaffirmed the association's commitment to earning trust through credible messages and maintaining discipline in the profession.
Chairman of the occasion and 24th President of the Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria (CIBN), Dele Alabi, commended ACAMB's 30-year journey, describing it as a testament to perseverance and professionalism. Alabi urged communication professionals to embrace innovation without compromising ethics, aligning with the CIBN's IMPACT vision. He praised ACAMB's leadership and its impact on the financial services industry.
Representing the Deputy Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Philip Ikeazor, Hakama Sidi Ali challenged communication professionals to prioritize clarity over cleverness and view customers as the ultimate test of effectiveness and credibility. She noted that the banking industry is moving beyond stabilization towards broader institutional transformation. Sidi Ali emphasized the importance of building credibility during quiet periods to navigate crises effectively.
The Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of the Nigeria Inter-Bank Settlement System (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.
The event also featured goodwill messages from industry leaders, including Alero Ladipo, Group Head, Marketing and Corporate Communications at United Bank for Africa (UBA). Ladipo commended ACAMB for creating a platform that brings communication professionals together across competing institutions. She emphasized the shared responsibility of communication professionals to strengthen confidence in the banking industry and maintain public trust in the financial system.
Key points
- ACAMB marks 30 years of shaping narratives and building trust in Nigeria's banking industry
- Regulators and leaders call for credibility, clarity, innovation in financial services
- Communication professionals urged to adapt to evolving trends, including AI, data, and digital media
