The Chief Executive Officer, First Bank of Nigeria, Dr Adesola Adeduntan, has been honoured with a membership of Bretton Woods Committee. This was announced last week in Lagos by the premier and financial inclusion services provider.
As a respected financial institution, First Bank has also joined Bretton Woods Committee as Organisational Supporter in line with the commitment to demonstrate cooperation and foster global well-being.
The membership, which is only by invitation, is in recognition of. Adeduntan’s sterling leadership qualities including efforts in ensuring that First Bank remains at the forefront of promoting financial inclusion in Africa.
It must be noted that Bretton Woods Committee members are leaders at the top of business, academic, and non-profit sectors. They are also influencers from every region of the world, including industry CEOs, international policymakers, and former U.S. officials.
The body was founded to champion efforts to spur economic growth, alleviate poverty, and advance global financial stability. In a letter, it says given Adeduntan’s “leadership and background, we believe you would be a valuable addition to the Bretton Woods Committee.’’
Since its founding in 1983, members of BWC include leaders at the top of the business, finance, academic, and non-profit sectors, including many industry CEOs, as well as former presidents, cabinet-level officials, and lawmakers who share the belief that international economic cooperation is essential and best served through strong and effective International Finance Institutions (IFIs).
Members of the BWC include former President of the US, Jimmy Carter; Professor Henry Gates Jr, Harvard University; Mr. Michael E. O’Neill, Chairman of Citigroup (2012-2019).
The mission and work of the Committee is motivated by the conviction that systematic, principled and effective multilateral cooperation is the surest means of achieving economic and social progress.
Through its programs and events, the Committee convenes policymakers together with members and stakeholders across its network to explore current issues in global finance, development and trade, and to propose ways in which the system—and the institutions that comprise it—can be strengthened and made more effective.
Adeduntan said he was deeply honoured to be recognised as a member of The Bretton Woods Committee, and that as a contributor, First Bank remains committed to the goals of the Bretton Woods Committee.
He said, “This is especially at this time when the role played by business and political leaders is critical to exploring efficient ways of deepening collaboration and inclusion across borders whilst mitigating the adverse effects of coronavirus on not just the global economy but on other aspects of the livelihood of every individual and household.
“I look forward to working with other members of The Bretton Woods Committee as we continue to build on the successes achieved over the years. With these, we will make the world a better place.”
First Bank said in a statement that Adeduntan “has since the start of the year received various recognitions and applauses for his priceless leadership and role in promoting economic growth and development in Nigeria and the continent at large.”
It mentioned the conferment of The Cranfield Alumnus 2020 Award by Cranfield School of Management Alumni; the African Banking Personality of the Year 2019 by African Leadership Magazine and very recently, the Forbes Best of Africa Award.