The Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria (CIBN) said it was poised to inspire a new generation of banking professionals, facilitate knowledge sharing and foster the development of innovative solutions to address the challenges.
This is coming as the institute has concluded plans to hold its maiden edition of the Generation Next Forum, scheduled to held on August 3 with the theme, ‘Industry 5.0 Banking Revolution: Insights for Generation Next.’
Speaking at a media briefing, yesterday, to announce the programme, President/Chairman of Council, CIBN, Dr. Ken Opara, said the forum was aimed at providing a robust platform for stakeholders to examine the criticality of the fifth industrial revolution and its profound impact on the banking and finance industry especially as it affects the young generation which has been a cardinal focus of his agenda as the 22nd President/Chairman of Council of the Institute.
Opara said from available statistics, Nigeria has the largest population of youth in the world, with a median age of 18.1 years. About 70 per cent of the population is under 30 and it is not controvertible that the future belongs to this segment of the population.
“We believe that the future is now; as such our focus is to attract, groom, mentor, prepare and collaborate with this special segment to get them ready for the task ahead.”
According to him, the forum will bring together over 5000 participants both physical and virtual, comprising majorly of Gen-Z and millennial participants, decision-makers, operators and other key players within the financial services ecosystem.
“This event will serve as an avenue for tech enthusiasts to showcase their innovative ideas, foster collaborations, and explore opportunities that arise from the convergence of technology and finance,” he said.
Also speaking, Chairman of the Planning and Organising Committee for the forum, Nath Ude, said the committee could not emphasise enough the significance of the event and the transformative impact it stands to have on the industry.
Ude, who doubles as the Managing Director, Nova Merchant Bank, said the forum, which is to be held at the Queens Park Events Centre, Victoria Island offers a fertile ground for knowledge sharing, collaboration, and the generation of groundbreaking ideas that will shape the future of banking and finance in Nigeria.
He said it will serve as the melting pot for the convergence of emerging talents and seasoned professionals. The conversation around the much-needed transformation required in our country and the African continent will be the focal point.
