ACAMB marked the start of its 30th anniversary celebrations on June 11 with a tree-planting initiative in Lagos. The event took place on Providence Street, Lekki Phase 1, drawing members from across Nigeria's banking sector.
Association spokesperson Abiodun Coker explained the reasoning behind the exercise. It combined environmental sustainability efforts with recognition of three decades spent advancing corporate communications and marketing in banking.
ACAMB President Jide Sipe led the activity despite heavy rainfall that day. Alongside him was Akin Morakinyo, Registrar and Chief Executive Officer of the Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria.
Vice Presidents Chinwe Bode Akinwande and Morolake Onifade attended with current and former executive committee members. Marketing and corporate communications heads from multiple banks participated in the exercise.
The rain didn't deter participants from completing their work. Each tree planted was named after a participating bank.
Sipe welcomed those gathered and spoke about the association's mission. "Thirty years ago, a handful of professionals chose to put the reputation of the banking industry above rivalry," he noted.
He continued with reflection on the organization's foundation. "We are standing today on the foundation they laid, and every tree we plant here is a promise to keep building and deepen credibility," Sipe told the crowd.
According to him, the tree-planting directly connected to the milestone being celebrated. "One of the best ways to celebrate this milestone is to contribute to the environment by the planting of trees that will be environmentally and economically impactful," he explained.
Sipe announced an extended calendar of anniversary events through September 2026. A Golf and Networking Experience is scheduled for June 27, 2026, at Ikoyi Club.
A grand Gala Night will close out the celebrations on September 30, 2026. "We are marking three decades the way they should be marked, with substance and with joy," Sipe said.
Morakinyo unveiled ACAMB's new 30th anniversary logo during the ceremony. He praised the association for its sustained partnership with the banking institute.
In his words: "This anniversary is dedicated to the glory of God and the service of humanity." The CIBN boss urged all members to maintain high professional and ethical standards.
Dr Nkechi Ali Balogun, a founding member, shared details about the association's origins. ACAMB was established in 1996 by representatives from five institutions including First Bank, Union Bank, and the Central Bank of Nigeria.
She recalled how the founding vision emerged from simple principles. "The late Mr Dangogo of the CBN gathered us at Kuramo Lodge with a simple idea: that banks could compete and still respect one another," Balogun told attendees.
