The Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria (CIBN) and First City Monument Bank (FCMB), a member of the FCMB Group Plc committed to fostering inclusive and sustainable growth, jointly recognised and rewarded two upright citizens, Ngozi Kekwaaru and Auwalu Alkasim, for their integrity.
Kekwaaru, a staff of Eko Hotel and Suites, and Mallam Alkasim, a tricycle driver in Kano, were honoured with the Outstanding Integrity Award by CIBN during its 58th Annual Bankers’ Dinner and Grand Finale of its 60th Anniversary celebrations, held in Lagos.
Kekwaaru was honoured for her honest act of returning $70,000 left behind by a guest at the hotel while Alkasim, on the other hand was recognised for returning N15 million forgotten by a passenger in his tricycle.
In addition to the CIBN’s prestigious award, First City Monument Bank (FCMB) rewarded Kekwaaru and Alkasim for their exceptional deeds by presenting them with cash gifts of N1 million each. This financial gesture underscores the bank’s deep appreciation of commitment to ethical behaviour.
Presenting the cheques to the duo at the event, FCMB’s Managing Director, Yemisi Edun, stated: “We congratulate Kekwaaru and Alkasim for receiving the Outstanding Integrity Award from the CIBN. In a world where integrity is becoming increasingly scarce, your actions are a beacon of hope, setting a standard for others to follow. Your ethical conduct aligns with our values at FCMB and we are immensely proud to have you as a member of our extended community. Our reward of N1 million expresses our appreciation for your actions, which embody integrity, a principle we hold dear. We are confident that your story will continue to inspire others to embrace integrity in all their endeavours.”
President/Chairman of the Council of the CIBN, Dr. Ken Opara, said: “Kekwaaru and Alkasim have demonstrated the true essence of integrity through their selfless actions. Their honesty and commitment to doing the right thing, even when faced with personal gain, exemplify the values that underpin the banking profession. The motto of the Institute is ‘Trust and Honesty’, which is what the duo exhibited. The CIBN is honoured to recognise their outstanding contributions and hopes that their stories will inspire young Nigerians to uphold the highest standards of integrity in their personal and professional lives.”
