CIBN to Engage Youths on Future of Banking, Payment Ecosystem

Nume Ekeghe

The Chartered Institute of Bankers Nigeria (CIBN) has announced plans to engage over 5000 youths within the financial systems ecosystems on the trends that would guide banking of the future at the ‘Generation Next Forum.’

The forum which is slated to hold in Lagos would converge stakeholders to discuss the theme, “Industry 5.0 Banking Revolution: Insights for Generation Next.”

The President/Chairman of the Council, Ken Opara in a press conference recently stated that the primary objective of the forum is to offer strong platform for stakeholders to analyse the significance of the Fifth Industrial Revolution and its far-reaching effects on the banking and finance sector.

Opara said: “This forum aims to provide 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 my Agenda as the 22nd President/Chairman of Council of the Institute. From available statistics, Nigeria has the largest population of youths

in the world, with a median age of 18.1 years. About 70 per cent of the population are 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.”

He added that the Generation Next Forum will bring together over 5000 participants, comprising majorly Gen-Z and millennial participants, decision-makers, operators and other key players within the financial services ecosystem.

He added: “We are confident that the Generation Next Forum will inspire a new generation of banking professionals, facilitate knowledge sharing, and foster the development of innovative solutions to address the challenges in our society. It will be an opportunity to engage with the brightest minds and emerging talents who are shaping the future of banking and finance in Nigeria.”

On his part, the Chairman of the Planning & Organizing Committee, Generation Next Forum, and Managing Director, Nova Merchant Bank, Nath Ude noted that this forum is which is a maiden edition would henceforth hold annually.