SEC urges senior bankers to mentor younger ones

Senior bankers in the nation’s banking sector have been urged to mentor the younger generation so as to ensure sustainability, safety and soundness of the banking and finance industry.

The Director-General of the Securities and Exchange Commission, Mr Lamido Yuguda, gave the advice at the relaunch of the CIBN Mentoring Scheme, with the theme, ‘Mentoring: Unlocking Career Potentials and Possibilities’, in Lagos, weekend.

He said that their commitment to mentoring the younger generation would go a long way in actualising the objectives of the institute’s mentoring scheme, according to a statement issued by SEC on Sunday.

Yuguda said, “Let me use this opportunity to encourage senior bankers to collaborate with CIBN in actualising the objectives of the mentoring scheme. Your commitment to mentoring the younger generation will go a long way in ensuring the sustainability safety and soundness of the banking industry.

“To the young bankers, I enjoin you to make the best use of this rare opportunity. I am confident that with the cooperation of all stakeholders, the CIBN mentoring scheme will be a point of reference for others.”

He stated that to be a successful professional, one must be ambitious, willing to go the extra mile, try to be a value enhancer and must be outstanding.

He said that such a person must be teachable and willing to learn from other persons who were deemed successful in the same career path.

According to him, it is critical for young bankers to be mentored by seasoned senior colleagues as they progress in their careers because the banking profession is predicated on trust and professionalism.

Yuguda said these values could be taught but were actually reinforced when demonstrated by senior bankers and emulated by their younger colleagues.

He said, “Due to the peculiarities of the banking industry, it is easy for young bankers to get distracted with the prestige and sometimes material benefits that come with the profession.

“However, mentorship relationships help to keep such young professionals grounded and focused on building character, advancing their knowledge, growing their professional network and cultivating the right values.”

He added that made success sustainable for a professional was a combination of skill, experience and the right values.