In order to support the development, training, and updating of human capital in finance and investment for the overall growth of the Nigerian financial services sector, Zenith Bank Plc and the Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) Institute have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU).
On Tuesday, November 28, 2023, Dr. Ebenezer Onyeagwu, the Group Managing Director and CEO of Zenith Bank Plc, Margaret Franklin, the President and CEO of the CFA Institute, and Ibukun Oyedeji, the President of CFA Society Nigeria, signed the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU).
During the signing of the MoU, Dr. Ebenezer Onyeagwu, the Group Managing Director and CEO of Zenith Bank Plc, expressed his appreciation for the excellent initiatives undertaken by the CFA Institute and the CFA Society, Nigeria to train financial and investment professionals in Nigeria. Zenith Bank will continue to work with the CFA Institute and the CFA Society Nigeria to make sure that aspiring finance and investment professionals receive the support they need for their professional development.
He believes that your Women in Investment Management Initiative, CFA Institute Research Challenge, CFA Society Nigeria Ethics Challenge, and University Affiliation Programme are very commendable.
In his words, “As a good corporate citizen, Zenith Bank remains committed to furthering the economic, cultural and social development of the society. As such, we continue to support projects and initiatives that have long-term social and economic benefits for our various publics and stakeholders. Partnering with the CFA Institute and the CFA Society Nigeria is therefore a demonstration of our commitment to building professional excellence in the finance services industry in Nigeria”.
During the ‘Journey to the Top: A Discourse with CEOs’ part at the CFA Institute Africa Investment Conference, Dr. Onyeagwu encouraged aspiring finance and investment professionals to maintain the highest standards of honesty. In order to succeed in their careers, he emphasised the value of making tough but excellent decisions, developing robust networks, and putting in a lot of effort.
In his words, “as upcoming professionals, the opportunities are immense for you. Africa doesn’t get bigger than Nigeria. There is scarcity of the right kind of people that have the talent, that have the character and the leadership to provide leadership in organizations. Make a decision to be one of those, make a decision to be different. You must be driven by your passion; you must delay gratification. In Zenith what is driving us is the strive for excellence. It is not about who you are and where you come from. We have the best class of talents you can think of anywhere in the world.”
He assured the young finance and investment professionals that Zenith Bank will offer immediate employment opportunity to CFA Charter Holders and those who qualify as Chartered Accountants.
Margaret Franklin, President/CEO of the CFA Institute, also spoke about the MoU and reaffirmed the organization’s dedication to the professional growth of aspiring professionals and students.
In her words, “there are many things that we do for students, we invest heavily in students and why is that? Because they are our future. The mission of the CFA Institute is to lead the investment industry with the highest standards of ethics, education and professional excellence for the ultimate benefit of society and that starts with our CFA programme”.
She expressed her gratitude to Zenith Bank for sponsoring the CFA Institute Research Challenge and the CFA Society Nigeria over the years. She also complimented the bank on being among the nation’s best employers of CFA members.
She conveyed her appreciation for Zenith Bank’s culture of excellence. Speaking at the signing of the MoU, CFA Society Nigeria President Ibukun Oyedeji praised Zenith Bank for its collaboration with the organisation and its dedication to the upliftment of the nation’s youth in the finance industry.
The CFA Institute and CFA Societies from Ghana, East Africa, South Africa, and Mauritius are hosting the CFA Institute Africa Investment Conference. Representatives from more than 20 Nigerian universities are attending the conference; CFA Society is supporting their investment clubs.
