ACAMB Begins 30th Anniversary Celebration With Tree-planting Initiative

The Association of Corporate Communication and Marketing Professionals in Banks (ACAMB) has commenced activities marking its 30th anniversary with a tree-planting exercise on Providence Street, Lekki Phase 1, Lagos.

The initiative, held recently in Lagos, forms part of the association’s efforts to promote environmental sustainability while commemorating three decades of advancing corporate communications and marketing excellence within Nigeria’s banking industry.

The exercise was led by ACAMB President, Jide Sipe, and the registrar/chief executive officer of the Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria (CIBN), Akin Morakinyo. Also in attendance were ACAMB vice president I, Chinwe Bode Akinwande; vice president II, Morolake Onifade; members of the association’s executive committee, past and present; group heads of marketing and corporate communications; and other banking industry stakeholders.

Despite heavy rainfall, participants planted trees dedicated to banks across the country, with each tree named after a participating institution.

Speaking at the event, Sipe said the exercise reflected ACAMB’s commitment to the growth and reputation of the banking industry.

He noted that the association was founded on the principle of promoting professionalism and collaboration within the sector, adding that the tree-planting initiative symbolises its continued commitment to strengthening the industry’s credibility and public trust.

Sipe said the environmental initiative was an appropriate way to mark the association’s 30th anniversary, given its long-term societal benefits.

He also outlined activities planned for the anniversary celebration, including a Golf and Networking Experience scheduled for June 27, 2026, at Ikoyi Club, Lagos. The celebrations will culminate in a Gala Night on September 30, 2026.

At the event, Morakinyo unveiled ACAMB’s 30th anniversary logo and commended the association for its longstanding partnership with the Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria.

He urged members to uphold professionalism and ethical standards in the discharge of their responsibilities.

A founding member of ACAMB, Dr Nkechi Ali Balogun, reflected on the association’s establishment in 1996 by representatives of several banks, including United Bank for Africa (UBA), Union Bank, IBWA (later Afribank), NEXIM Bank, First Bank, Bank of the North, Savannah Bank and the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN).

According to her, the association was founded to foster cooperation among banks and promote professionalism within the industry.

Also speaking, a member of ACAMB’s Board of Trustees, Ogie Eboigbe, said the association was formed partly in response to concerns about banks undermining competitors through negative marketing practices, which affected public confidence in the sector.

The tree-planting exercise underscores ACAMB’s commitment to environmental sustainability and serves as a symbol of the association’s growth and impact over the past three decades.

Founded in 1996, ACAMB was established to improve the image of Nigeria’s banking industry, promote ethical standards and strengthen public confidence in the sector. The association continues to play a key role in addressing reputational challenges and advancing positive perceptions of the banking industry within Nigeria and across Africa.