The high-level meeting, held on Tuesday at the CIBN Building, marked the formal introduction of the newly inaugurated ACAMB Executive Committee and signalled a renewed push for collaboration within Nigeria’s banking industry.

Speaking during the visit, ACAMB President, Jide Sipe, described the engagement as a foundational step for the new administration.

According to him, the decision to meet with CIBN first reflects the association’s recognition of the Institute as its primary stakeholder and strategic partner.

“When we assumed office, one of the first things we agreed on was the need to visit key stakeholders. However, before reaching out more broadly, we felt it was important to begin with our primary constituency,” Sipe said.

He added that the visit was necessary to align both institutions on ACAMB’s new direction and secure support to achieve improved outcomes for members and the broader banking ecosystem.

Sipe also introduced members of the new ACAMB Executive Committee, including Morolake Phillip-Ladipo (2nd Vice President), Olugbenga Owootomo (General Secretary), Ademola Adeshola (Assistant General Secretary), Abiodun Coker (Publicity Secretary), and Fadekemi Ajakaiye (Executive Secretary).

Unveiling his administration’s roadmap, Sipe highlighted youth engagement, professional development, and stronger industry advocacy as priority areas. He noted that reputational management and sustainable corporate practices would also receive increased focus.

Responding, CIBN President, Professor Pius Deji Olanrewaju, commended ACAMB’s forward-looking agenda and reaffirmed the Institute’s commitment to strengthening collaboration.

He acknowledged ACAMB’s longstanding contributions to information management and reputation building within Nigeria’s banking sector, noting that the partnership has enhanced brand equity across the industry.

“ACAMB’s support has given CIBN and the banking sector brand equity,” Olanrewaju said, while recalling the association’s role in addressing reputational challenges in the sector.

The CIBN President further pledged institutional backing for ACAMB’s 30th anniversary scheduled for September 2026, its Annual General Meeting, fundraising initiatives, as well as its capability development and undergraduate mentorship programmes.

“I want to assure you that everything you have presented today has been clearly noted and will be acted upon,” he said.

He added that both organisations share a common objective of strengthening the banking industry, safeguarding its reputation, and enhancing public trust through continuous training and reform initiatives.

The meeting concluded with both parties reaffirming their commitment to deepening collaboration aimed at advancing professional standards and sustainable growth within Nigeria’s banking sector.

The election, held during the association’s Annual General Meeting in Lagos on Thursday, saw seasoned professionals from across the banking landscape elected to key positions.

The newly constituted executive includes Babajide Sipe of the Bank of Industry as President; Chinwe Bode-Akinwande of FirstBank as First Vice President; Morolake Philip-Ladipo of Wema Bank as Second Vice President; Abiodun Coker of the United Bank for Africa (UBA) as the Publicity Secretary; Olugbenga Owootomo from Polaris Bank as General Secretary; Halima Ishak from Jaiz Bank as Financial Secretary; Ademola Adesola from Parallex Bank as Assistant General Secretary; Unoaku Temitope Anyadike from Guaranty Trust Bank as Treasurer and MacQueen Afolabi from Zenith Bank as Social Secretary.

In his inaugural address, President Babajide Sipe expressed profound gratitude for the confidence reposed in him, outlining a purposeful agenda for his tenure.

“I promise to lead with courage, intention, and purpose. My leadership will be anchored on four pillars: mentorship and career development; strengthening outcomes relevant within the banking industry; active member engagement; and strong representation and advocacy,” he stated.

He further emphasized,

“I will be an unrelenting advocate for our members and for the strategic value of our profession. My key focus is growth, growth for members, growth for the association, and ensuring that the values of ACAMB are protected.”

The newly elected First Vice President, Chinwe Bode-Akinwande, who gave the vote of thanks, rallied members for collective effort.

“The job of amplification is for each and every one of us. We have heard the feedback and are ready to hit the ground running,” she said. She reassured members of the new Executive Council’s dedication, stating, “We have no doubt in our minds that this EXCO will do great.”

Rasheed Bolarinwa, the immediate past President, highlighted the achievements of his tenure, notably in professionalising the membership.

“We facilitated structured arrangements with regulatory bodies, enabling our seasoned professionals to formalise their certifications. Today, there’s hardly anyone in banking communication who does not belong to key professional groups,” he recounted.

Commenting on the ongoing bank recapitalisation exercise, the former president allayed fears, expressing optimism.

“There are no issues. If mergers and acquisitions happen, it will be for the good of the industry and its workforce. There is no cause for alarm,” he concluded.

As the new EXCO assumes office, all eyes are on its pledge to drive growth, unity, and vigorous advocacy for the banking communications community.

Mallam Dangogo, a trailblazer and mentor, passed away on Thursday night, March 6, 2025, at the age of 76, leaving behind a profound legacy in the Nigerian Banking and Communications Industry.

As ACAMB’s Founding President, he played a pivotal role in shaping the association into a respected body that has consistently elevated Corporate Communications and Marketing standards in Nigeria’s banking sector.

His visionary leadership, dedication to excellence, and commitment to mentorship inspired generations of professionals, making him a cornerstone of the Banking industry.

Beyond ACAMB, Mallam Dangogo was a bridge-builder, fostering collaboration and innovation. He was widely recognized for his strategic insights, integrity, and commitment to ethical communication practices.

His passing marks a monumental loss to the industry and to those privileged to have known him.

In a statement, Rasheed Bolarinwa, ACAMB President said:

“Mallam Kabir Dangogo was a true icon and a beacon of excellence.

His legacy as ACAMB’s pioneer President will remain a source of inspiration. While we mourn his passing, we celebrate his remarkable life and the lasting impact he made on our association and the broader communications community. I pray that Almighty Allah (SWT) grants his family the fortitude to bear this loss. And may his soul rest in eternal peace.”

ACAMB extends its deepest condolences to his family, friends, colleagues, and all who were touched by his wisdom and leadership. The association remains committed to upholding the values he championed.

His remains were laid to rest in Kaduna Friday, March 7 after Juma’at prayers, in accordance with Islamic rites.

The nation-wide perception audit revealed that some of the banks adverts in Nigeria are misleading.

They make some of their banking services look so easy to access but the opposite is the reality.

Also, the report revealed that “Consumers do not have enough information and understanding about banks products”.

“Banks”, it says, “must be painstaking in providing much needed information and understanding on their products and services. They must stop making customers feel they are doing them a favour and manage customers with utmost respect and empathy. Customers have alternatives!”

The public presentation, titled “Customers’ Perception of Banking Products and Services in Nigeria” was presented by Mss Vanessa Ezenwafor, Team Lead, Strategy and Intelligence and hosted by Mss Oiza Balogun, Head, Digital PR Strategy Desk, at a webinar on Wednesday, December 6, 2023.

The survey report delved into the thoughts and emotions of Nigerian banking customers, revealing their perspectives, preferences, and expectations as they entrust their financial well-being to the country’s banking institutions.

Otunba Bimbo Ashiru, chairman of Odu`a Investment Company Limited, while presenting his opening remark, expressed his satisfaction with the detailed survey reports. He congratulated the firm and emphasized the need for Nigerians to embrace banking culture, citing its potential to reduce the incidence of armed robbery. In his words, “Now it is time for us in this country to imbibe the culture of banking, because it will reduce level of armed robbery”.

Mr. Rasheed Bolarinwa, president of the Association of Corporate Affairs Managers of Banks (ACAMB), who was also present at the webinar, emphasized the importance of Nigerians adhering to due process when encountering banking issues.

He discouraged the practice of banking customers venting frustrations and expressing discontent on social media, suggesting a more measured approach such as making use of the bank’s customers complaints platform created by every bank in Nigeria.

Furthermore, he extended congratulations to the firm and lauded their effort to conduct such an extensive survey.

In her conclusion, Miss Ezenwafor posited that,” In today`s dynamic banking landscape, customer perceptions are vital metrics that shape the industry`s future.

 “This survey underscores the importance of understanding these perceptions and acting upon them. To remain ahead of the competition, banks must embrace digital transformation, elevate the quality of customer service, and foster greater trust through transparency and responsiveness.”

The virtual event was attended by distinguished individuals from the banking sector, members of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR), members of Association of Corporate Affairs Managers of Banks (ACAMB) and representatives of various media platforms.

CMC Connect LLP is a game-changer in Nigeria’s communications space that provides insight-driven, bold, and creative solutions that put her clients ahead of the game.

Transiting from a Limited Liability Company to Limited Liability by Partnership, the firm has emerged as one of Nigeria’s most dynamic, most diversified, and most capacity-infused Perception Consulting and Strategic Communication Firms.

The report can be accessed on the website of CMC Connect LLP (Perception Consulting)

The Association of Corporate Affairs Managers of Banks (ACAMB), the umbrella body of corporate and marketing communication professionals working in Deposit Money Banks (DMBs) in Nigeria, has announced a date for its 2nd National Stakeholders’ Conference set to hold at Bankers House, CIBN, Adeola Hopewell Street, Victoria Island, Lagos.

Themed “Marketing Financial Services in Dynamic Times”, the ACAMB stakeholders’ conference will hold on Thursday, August 17, 2023, and will present a platform to spotlight the evolving role of marketing communications in Nigeria’s burgeoning financial services industry.

The keynote address at the conference will be delivered by Yomi Badejo-Okunsanya, Group MD, CMC Connect and immediate past President, African Public Relations Association (APRA).

There will also be a panel discussion featuring a number of high-profile marketing communication experts and c-suite executives including Steve Babaeko, CEO/Chief Creative Officer, X3M Ideas and President, Association of Advertising Agencies of Nigeria (AAAN), Helen Ogboh, Group Head Manufacturing, Corporate Banking Directorate of First Bank of Nigeria Plc, Tolulope Ogundipe, Group Head, Banking Services, Premium Trust Bank, Tosin Adebayo-Yusuf, Executive Director/COO, Heirs Life Assurance, Dr. Sunnie Omeiza-Michael, Director, Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI), James Agada, Director, CWG Plc.

Commenting on the theme of this year’s stakeholders’ conference, Rasheed Bolarinwa, ACAMB President, said, “In dynamic times such as this, Marketing Communications plays an even greater role in the long-term viability and sustainable growth of Financial Institutions. It is no longer enough to offer innovative products and services, as these have become baseline in a highly competitive and consumer-driven market like ours.

Hence, this conference has been carefully put together to provide all participants with the technical know-how to build and maintain trust with customers throughout the service journey whilst also factoring in the dictates of other key stakeholder groups.”

As the umbrella body of all corporate and marketing communication professionals of Financial Institutions, ACAMB has, among other objectives, the mandate to evolve and implement strategies that would enhance the reputation of the Nigerian financial services industry.

The 1st Stakeholders’ Conference which held in 2022 focused on building greater synergies within the Organised Private Sector (OPS) in Nigeria, in the face of the ‘new normal’ brought on by the Covid-19 pandemic. The event was well-attended and featured insightful masterclasses and mentorship programmes as well as fitness and bonding sessions.

The annual ACAMB Stakeholders’ Conference is open to members of the banking community and the OPS. Intending media and communication practitioners, heads of related agencies, and other relevant stakeholders are also invited to attend.

Rasheed Bolarinwa, President of ACAMB, said in a statement on Wednesday that banks will continue to operate during the election period.

“The attention of the Association of Corporate Affairs Managers of Banks (ACAMB), the umbrella body of Corporate and Marketing Communications Professionals working in Nigeria’s banking sector, has been drawn to the trending social media message purporting that the Central Bank of 

“Because of the general elections taking place in Nigeria over the next two weekends, the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) was shutting down banking services for five days from Thursday, February 23rd, to Monday, February 27th, 2023,” the statement reads.

“ACAMB hereby wishes to debunk the fake news in its entirety and wishes to assure Nigerians and the banking public that there is no iota of truth in the viral message that is being circulated.

Up until this moment, no Deposit Money Banks (DMBs) or other institutions providing financial services have received any directive or communication from the CBN to close the doors of their physical banking halls or shut their digital platforms and online banking channels against their customers because of elections.

“ACAMB further wishes to assure customers that their respective banks have put in place measures to ensure that depositors can as usual, access money in their accounts during this period.

“Also, customers who wish to carry out transfers or use electronic banking services will have unhindered access to these services before, during, and after the elections.

“ACAMB urges Nigerians not to panic and to also avoid uncontrolled spending as a result of the fake news about the alleged plan to shut down bank branches and all digital banking channels. Members of the public should discountenance the trending message maliciously concocted by its faceless authors to cause disaffection among the citizenry and the DMBs.

“ACAMB calls on Nigerians to be peaceful and orderly during the elections and wishes the nation successful conduct of free, fair, and credible elections.”

The Association of Corporate Affairs Managers of Banks (ACAMB) has empathized with the Nigerian public on the unintended hardships being faced in the process of the ongoing rollout of re-designed naira notes and enhanced cashless policy.

There is no doubt that the unintended constraints in the withdrawal of old naira notes and circulation of new naira notes, alongside the national policy to enhance cashless transactions, have had unintended effects on the generality of the Nigerian populace.

Nigerian Banks have invested an estimated total sum in excess of N100 billion in setting up and maintaining cutting-edge electronic channels over the past few years as part of ongoing commitment to seamless customer experience and real time digital financial transactions.

From internet banking to mobile apps, Automated Teller Machines (ATMs), Point of Sales (PoS) merchants, mobile wallets, Unstructured Supplementary Service Data (USSD) codes, agents and digital franchises among others; not less than 80 per cent of Nigerians now enjoy one form of digital or cashless transaction or another, powered by investments by Nigerian Banks.

A statement signed by Rasheed Bolarinwa, President of The Association of Corporate Affairs Managers of Banks (ACAMB), reads:

“These commitments by Deposit Money Banks (DMBs) have seen Nigeria rising steadily and recognised as having arguably Africa’s most advanced digital financial services industry and one of the world’s top 10 real-time payment markets. It is a national pride and a proof of Nigerian Banks’ commitment to customer service that Nigeria is regarded as having Africa’s most digitized banking industry. Nigerian Banks remain committed to continuing investments in seamless and secured digital banking that EXCITE customers to voluntarily use and rely on the various digital and alternate PAYMENT SYSTEMS available.

“In view of its numerous benefits and the cutting-edge capability of the Nigerian banking sector, ACAMB fully supports the enhanced cashless policy championed by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN). The entire banking sector is working with the apex Bank and other stakeholders to urgently address constraints in the implementation and ensure that Nigerians suffer no untoward pains in the transition process.

“Nigerian Banks are currently working with the CBN to ensure that customers have access to cash through ATMs and other channels as well as Over-The-Counter (OTC) in the banking halls.

“ACAMB AFFIRMS without any equivocation that Banks are not in any way hoarding or holding back naira notes or engaging in any act inimical to our avowed commitment to exciting customer experience. ATMs are being loaded every day and cash is being paid as provided by the CBN, as regularly being checked by CBN Inspectors and other regulators including anti-graft agencies.

“In the past few hours, Banks have taken additional measures to quicken the flow of naira notes. These measures, among others, include deployment of extra technical supports for online payments, additional security at ATMs to ensure all-clock usage, technological back-up to reduce online downtime to the barest minimum, additional staff deployment to counters to attend to cash transactions and timely interbank and inter-branch networking to bridge any gap. We are confident that these measures, in addition to efforts by the regulatory CBN, will result in greater ease of access and cash liquidity.

“The Federal Government and the CBN have reiterated similar readiness to address any constraint in the cyclical flow, including making adjustments, where necessary.

“ACAMB urges Nigerian banking public to exercise patience and not to resort to any untoward behavior against Bank staff or banking facilities. Nigerian Banks, majority of which are publicly quoted, are owned by millions of Nigerians and provide employment to several millions of staff, who work 24/7 to ensure that the generality of Nigerians have reliable and secured, globally competitive banking services.

“The cashless policy is generally in line with the yearnings of the most Nigerians for the elimination of corrupt practices in financial transactions, adequate security and improvements in law enforcements and general integrity of the wealth creation process. As shown by global evidence, cashless policy helps in curbing crimes such as; kidnapping, banditry and official sleaze, among others.

“Cashless or digital transaction is also a boost to commerce and industry; as well as public finance. It is noteworthy that digitization of public finances of many states and at national level has led to phenomenal improvement in REVENUE GENERATION, which form the basis of improved infrastructural renewals Nigerians now cherish.  It is also noteworthy that all stakeholders agreed on the importance and advantages of the redesigning of naira notes. The redesigning of naira notes safeguards the Nigerian economy and the country’s sovereignty, by strengthening the nation’s currency flow and control. We believe that ongoing concerted efforts will address the constraints currently being experienced in the cyclical flow of the new naira notes and the legal tenders generally.

ALSO READ: Cashless Policy becoming more Realistic but the Banking System Already Overwhelmed

“Banks and customers are inseparable stakeholders as they exist for one another. It is therefore, detrimental to the interest of the general banking public to disrupt banking operations by untoward actions against Bank staff or vandalisation of banking facilities. Nigerian banking industry owes its global success as a leader in digital banking to its enthusiastic customers and remains committed to do everything possible to ensure customers continue to have delightful experience; in the banking halls and across the electronic and other alternate channels.

“ACAMB implores Nigerians to consider the big picture of the advantages of the redesigning of the naira and enhanced cashless policy, and therefore exercise patience, as stakeholders work to ensure normalcy. Customers must demonstrate ownership of their Banks and eschew any act that could lead to the disruption of banking operations or damage of banking facilities.

“ACAMB shall continue to engage all stakeholders and stimulate effective communications to foster greater understanding and forbearance”.