Banking used to be largely dominated by men, but there has been a significant shift over the years, as more women have risen to influential positions in the industry.
And according to Managing Director/CEO, FBNQuest Merchant Bank, Kayode Akinkugbe who spoke over the weekend at the Association of Professional Women Bankers forum in Lagos confirmed that gender inequality gaps have been drastically reduced with more women now in the profession like never before in Nigeria.
“We need to support women in banking at all levels, as women bankers are a powerful force in growing the economy, “At FBNQuest Merchant Bank, we are committed to reducing the gaps in professional gender equality, and this is why we continue to sponsor engagements that will explore ideas, gain knowledge and imbue the culture of integrity, transparency, accountability, high ethical values and professionalism,” he added.
Speaking further on theme “Funding Infrastructural Development in an Emerging Economy” Akinkugbe brought to the fore the need for have in place infrastructure that will create a sustainable legacy for future generations by making the emerging economy more investors friendly.
“Development of infrastructure assets has proven to be extremely capital intensive, requires substantial amounts of liquidity and takes time to complete.Also, in order to fund infrastructure in an emerging economy like Nigeria,we must attract onshore and offshore investor appetite,” he said.
The Association of Professional Women Bankers (APWB) is the female arm of the prestigious Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria (CIBN). The event was organized to provide a platform for stakeholders in the banking sector to engage and strategize on methods that will enhance the business of banking in Nigeria, tackle financial illiteracy among SMEs, and position entrepreneurs on the path to economic growth.
Giving further insight into why FBNQuest Merchant Bank subscribes for the forum Akinkugbe confirmed the forum provides exchange of information and ideas among members on common problems and matters of mutual interest affecting the banking industry, particularly, promoting the image of women in the banking profession.
He also commended CIBN and APWB for its consistency in putting together innovative and pace setting activities and programmes with a wide range of objectives aimed at promoting the image of women in the banking profession and to encourage women to seek executive and managerial positions.
