The board of the Nigerian Exchange Group Plc (NGX Group), on Wednesday, April 9, 2025 (SEE PHOTO CAPTION), in Lagos, took out time to celebrate the extraordinary contributions of its retired directors, whose visionary leadership served as building blocks that played a pivotal role in shaping the evolution of Nigeria’s capital market.
The ceremony which followed the Group’s 64th Annual General Meeting (AGM), brought together a distinguished gathering of regulatory leaders, government officials, traditional rulers, and members of the diplomatic community.
Welcoming all to the event which underscored NGX Group’s commitment to sustaining the legacy of innovation, operational excellence, and stakeholder engagement, principles championed by the remarkable men and women, Alhaji (Dr.) Umaru Kwairanga, Group Chairman of NGX Group, paid tribute to their enduring impact.
Their foundational work, he noted, continues to guide the Group’s mission to deliver long-term value and market growth, just as their “foresight have left an indelible mark on our Exchange and Nigeria’s financial markets. Their legacies remain ingrained in our DNA and will continue to inspire our path forward.”
Commenting the honorees, Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State emphasized their broader economic influence.
Represented by Abayomi Oluyomi, the state’s Commissioner for Finance, the governor acknowledged their contributions, which he said “extended beyond the Exchange, reinforcing Lagos’s position as Africa’s leading financial and economic hub.”
On his part, Dr. Emomotimi Agama, Director-General of the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), equally spoke of the transformative role of the distinguished leaders who “laid the groundwork for today’s dynamic, transparent, and globally competitive capital market. Their governance standards and bold decisions remain benchmarks for excellence.”
Adding royal commendation, His Imperial Majesty, Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, Ojaja II, praised their national impact.
“As a custodian of tradition and progress, I celebrate these trailblazers whose wisdom and commitment have driven Nigeria’s economic advancement and inspired future generations.”
Reflecting on their legacy, Aigboje Aig-Imoukhuede, former President of The Nigerian Stock Exchange and Chairman of Access Holdings Plc, explained that “capital markets are the backbone of thriving economies. The progress we see today stems directly from these directors’ vision, integrity, and leadership, which established enduring governance standards.”
A poignant moment came with a tribute to the late Bamofin Abimbola Ogunbanjo, former Group Chairman, whose leadership was instrumental in NGX’s demutualization and modernization.
Other key figures, included Oscar N. Onyema, former Chief Executive of The Nigerian Stock Exchange and maiden Group Managing Director/CEO of NGX Group, were also celebrated for steering the Exchange through landmark transformations.
In his own remark, Temi Popoola, Group Managing Director/CEO of NGX Group, said the event was to honour “not only the architects of our past but also the partners shaping our future. To our retired directors, your legacies ignite the aspirations of tomorrow’s leaders. Together, we will continue building a market that embodies Nigeria’s innovation, resilience, and strength.”
With decades of collective service, the retired directors, the exchange noted in a statement, have propelled NGX Group into a modern, technology-driven exchange. Their contributions have strengthened governance, elevated investor confidence, and enhanced Nigeria’s capital market on the global stage, laying a robust foundation for sustainable growth and investment across Africa.
