Success Stories September 2026 · 3 min read

Gbemisola Adebambo’s Journey to Winning the 2026 Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria (CIBN) Essay Competition

We are incredibly proud of our analyst, Gbemisola Adebambo, for emerging as the overall winner of the 9th Otunba (Mrs.) Debola Osibogun National Essay Competition, organised by the Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria (CIBN).

At GearUp Africa, we believe young people thrive when they have the opportunity, support, and access to people who can guide them along the way. Our commitment to mentorship extends beyond technical and career development. We encourage our analysts to explore their interests, develop their talents, and pursue opportunities beyond their primary areas of study.

The journey to the top was not easy. The competition featured three stages, beginning with an essay on “The Next Generation of Bankers: Driving Innovation and Stability in a Complex Global Financial System.” Gbemisola brought together facts, storytelling, and personal experience to present a perspective that stood out among hundreds of submissions, earning her a place among the top 11.

The second stage tested participants under pressure. Given a new topic and just three hours to submit their essays, Gbemisola rose to the challenge and emerged as the best in that stage.

She then progressed to the final five, where interviews and cumulative scores from all three stages determined the winners. Gbemisola emerged as the overall winner.

Her achievement earned her recognition at the 2026 Annual Banking and Finance Conference at Transcorp Hilton, Abuja, where she received a brand-new laptop and a N250,000 cash prize.

For us at GearUp Africa, this is more than an award. It is a reflection of what can happen when young people are given the support, encouragement, and space to pursue their potential.

Congratulations, Gbemisola. We are proud of you and excited to see where your journey takes you next.

Judith Simons

GearUp Africa

Success Stories 5 min read

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The Power of Discipline and Faith: Puumaya Bawa’s Journey to Becoming an Associate Member of ICAG

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Gbemisola Adebambo’s Journey to Winning the 2026 Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria (CIBN) Essay Competition

Related Articles

Priscilla Boateng: Becoming a Chartered Accountant While Balancing, Work and Purpose

Dennis Nartey Shares His Journey to Becoming a Chartered Accountant While in Level 300

The Power of Discipline and Faith: Puumaya Bawa’s Journey to Becoming an Associate Member of ICAG

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