Nigeria, June 13 -- A wag once said that the reward for hard work is more work.

This aphorism was at the core of Yemi Cardoso's acceptance speech in London on 10 June when he accepted the Central Banking award for Central Bank of the Year on behalf of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN).

Speaking at the ceremony, which is hailed as the "Oscars of Banking" Cardoso said, "We receive this recognition with humility. We see it, not as a destination, but as encouragement to continue the important work ahead."

While there is indeed important work ahead, no one can countenance the fact that the CBN under Cardoso has notched up impressive achievements since he took over a central bank that was mired in a quagmire of gargantuan proportions. The su...