The Chairman of Polaris Bank, Dr. Kassim Gidado, has urged newly inducted banking professionals to uphold integrity, embrace continuous learning, and demonstrate ethical leadership as they advance in the rapidly evolving financial services sector.
Dr. Gidado delivered the message as the Special Guest of Honour at the 2026 Stream 1 Chartered Banker Induction Ceremony organised by the Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria (CIBN).
The weekend event in Lagos celebrated the induction of 2,037 professionals into the Chartered Banker and Microfinance Certified Banker cadre, marking a significant milestone in their careers.
Inductees earned their credentials through multiple certification pathways, including the Chartered Banker/MBA route, MSc/Chartered Banker, SMP/AMP/Chartered Banker, and Microfinance Certified Professionals.
They comprise executives, senior and middle management staff of Deposit Money Banks, Microfinance Banks, and other financial institutions, alongside professionals from the public and private sectors and self-employed members.
In his address, Dr. Gidado described the ceremony as a celebration of “excellence, perseverance, and professional discipline.”
He noted that while technology, financial inclusion, and regulatory reforms are reshaping banking, trust remains the most valuable currency, relying on the integrity and professionalism of banking practitioners.
Dr. Gidado also commended CIBN for developing industry capacity and nurturing the next generation of banking leaders, urging inductees to follow three guiding principles throughout their careers: integrity, lifelong learning, and purposeful leadership.
