Zenith Bank Plc has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Chartered
Financial Analyst (CFA) Institute to promote efforts and activities that support the
formation, training, and updating of human capital in finance and investment for the
overall development of the Nigerian financial services sector. The MoU, was signed by
the Group Managing Director/CEO of Zenith Bank Plc, Dr. Ebenezer Onyeagwu; the
President/CEO of the CFA Institute, Margaret Franklin; and the President of CFA Society
Nigeria, Ibukun Oyedeji on Tuesday, November 28, 2023.
Speaking at the MoU signing ceremony, the Group Managing Director/CEO of Zenith
Bank Plc, Dr. Ebenezer Onyeagwu commended the CFA Institute and the CFA Society,
Nigeria for their laudable programmes in developing finance and investment
professionals in Nigeria. According to him, your Women in Investment Management
Initiative, CFA Institute Research Challenge, CFA Society Nigeria Ethics Challenge and
University Affiliation Program are very laudable, and Zenith Bank will continue to partner
with the CFA Institute and the CFA Society Nigeria to ensure that young finance and
investment professionals get the needed support for their career development. 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".
At the CFA Institute Africa Investment Conference, during the 'Journey to the Top: A
Discourse with CEOs' segment, Dr. Onyeagwu inspired future finance and investment
professionals to uphold the highest standards of integrity. He stressed the importance of
making difficult yet high-quality decisions, building robust networks, and dedicating
themselves to hard work for career success. 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.
Also speaking on the MoU, the President/CEO, CFA Institute, Margaret Franklin
reiterated the Institute’s commitment to the professional development of students and
upcoming professionals. 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 commended Zenith Bank for its continued support
to the CFA Society Nigeria and sponsorship of the CFA Institute Research Challenge
over the years. She also commended the bank for being one of the top employers of
CFA members in the country. She expressed her admiration of the culture of excellence
in Zenith Bank. Also speaking at the MoU signing ceremony, the President of CFA
Society Nigeria, Ibukun Oyedeji commended Zenith Bank for its partnership with CFA
Society Nigeria and its commitment to the development of young finance professionals in
the country.
The the CFA Institute Africa Investment Conference is being hosted by the CFA Institute
and CFA Societies from Ghana, East Africa, South Africa and Mauritius. The conference
has representatives from over 20 universities in Nigeria (members of their investment
clubs being supported by CFA Society).
