By Ayomide Otitoju
Kassim Gidado, Chairman of Polaris Bank, has urged newly inducted banking professionals to uphold integrity, embrace continuous learning and demonstrate ethical leadership as they navigate the rapidly evolving financial services landscape.
Gidado made the call while speaking as Special Guest of Honour at the 2026 Stream 1 Chartered Banker Induction Ceremony organised by the Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria (CIBN) in Lagos at the weekend.
The event celebrated the induction of 2,037 professionals into the Institute’s prestigious Chartered Banker and Microfinance Certified Banker cadre, marking a significant milestone in their professional careers.
According to the Institute, the inductees emerged through various certification routes, including nine candidates through the Chartered Banker/MBA pathway, 816 through the Chartered Banker Regular Route, 25 through the MSc/Chartered Banker pathway, 262 through the SMP/AMP/Chartered Banker route, and 435 Microfinance Certified Professionals.
The newly inducted professionals comprise executives as well as senior and middle-management staff of Deposit Money Banks, Microfinance Banks and other financial institutions. The group also includes professionals from the public and private sectors, self-employed members of the Institute, and graduates from affiliated tertiary institutions.
In his remarks, Gidado described the induction ceremony as more than a formal event, noting that it represents a celebration of excellence, perseverance and professional discipline within the banking industry.
“Banking today is evolving at an unprecedented pace. Digital transformation, financial inclusion, regulatory reforms and emerging technologies are redefining how financial institutions operate and deliver value to society,” he said.
He stressed that despite rapid technological advancement in the sector, trust remains the most valuable currency in banking, adding that the credibility of the financial system ultimately depends on the integrity and professionalism of banking professionals.
Gidado commended the Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria for its continued commitment to strengthening professional standards, building industry capacity and nurturing the next generation of banking leaders in the country.
He also underscored the importance of investing in human capital within the financial services industry.
“At Polaris Bank, we firmly believe that human capital is the most strategic asset within financial institutions. The future of banking will not be defined only by technology or capital, but by the quality of professionals who steward these resources responsibly,” he said.
Gidado, an accomplished academic, further encouraged the newly inducted Chartered Bankers to be guided by three key principles throughout their careers: upholding integrity, committing to lifelong learning and leading with purpose.
The 2026 Stream 1 induction ceremony brought together industry leaders, regulators, banking professionals and stakeholders, highlighting the role of professional certification in strengthening Nigeria’s financial system.
