Former CBN Director, Clement Buari Honored with Forbes Award

Mr. Clement Oluranti Buari, OON, has been honored with the prestigious Forbes Best of Africa Leadership Excellence Award in Strategy Management 2024. Throughout his illustrious three-decade career at the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Mr. Buari has shown exceptional expertise in managerial decision-making and strategic leadership. During his tenure as the Director of Strategy Management, his contributions in developing the current strategy were crucial in repositioning the Central Bank to its core mandate and advancing monetary and financial regulatory reforms to strengthen the Nigerian economy.

Mr. Buari’s leadership, which was characterized by innovation and strategic agility, earned him national recognition, including the Award of Order of the Niger (OON) by the President,Federal Republic of Nigeria,in recognition of his contribution to national service. His transformative leadership style, characterised by innovation,strategic agility, and commitment to empowering his team, has been instrumental in propelling him to a remarkable career at the CBN.

In May 2024, Mr. Buari was celebrated as he retired meritoriously,after 35 years of dedicated service. The Governor of the Central Bank, Mr.Olayemi Cardoso and the Deputy Governor of Economic Policy, Mr. Mohamed Sani Abdullahi, lauded his integrity, hard work,and exemplary leadership. In a letter dated 30th April, 2024, in appreciation of his contributions and selfless service,Mr Cardoso in the letter of commendation,noted, “Your ability to rally teams and streamline processes was truly commendable,your collaborative spirit exemplifies your dedication and loyalty to the organisation,on behalf of the Board and Management of the Central Bank of Nigeria, I congratulate you on the well-deserved achievement of this feat”

The Forbes award ceremony, which held in Lisbon,Portugal on the 28th of June recognized Mr. Buari’s dynamic leadership and impactful contributions to strategy management. “Your outstanding contributions demonstrated through over 30years of dedicated service in central banking operations was truly remarkable”.

The award served as a powerful platform for collaboration,networking and knowledge exchange among world leaders and philanthropists,driving innovation and progress across diverse sectors. He was awarded alongside other top guests,including the Governors of Bayelsa and Plateau States and the Minister of Foreign Affairs among other notable figures.

In his acceptance speech,Mr. Buari expressed gratitude to Forbes and the Foreign Investment Network(FIN) for the recognition, acknowledging the pivotal role of the CBN in his achievements. He stated, “This award is a testament to the dedication and unwavering commitment to excellence by the Central Bank of Nigeria. Strategy Management is about shaping the future and navigating uncertainty with courage”.

Mr. Buari, who holds a Bachelor of Law (LL.B Hons) and a Master of Business Administration (MBA),has also completed courses at various prestigious institutions such as Harvard Kennedy School, MIT, and Oxford University. He is affiliated with several professional organizations, including the Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria (CIBN) and the Institute of Directors of Nigeria (IoD).

Mr. Buari remains dedicated to personal development and contributing to his environment and community. “We will continue to inspire and lead strategic thinkers that will help drive the needed impact for the African business ecosystem as Nigeria remains an attractive investment destination.Together we’ll continue to shape the future.” He concluded.