Prominent icons of the Nigerian business community gathered on Tuesday, February 27 to honour the late Bamofin Abimbola Ogunbanjo, former chairman of the Nigerian Exchange Group Plc.
The event, tagged an Afternoon of Tributes and Closing Gong Ceremony, organized by the Nigerian Exchange Group in collaboration with Coronation Group, a statement said, was to pay a homage to the enduring legacy of Ogunbajo, who as chairman midwifed the demutualisation of the Nigerian Stock Exchange (now NGX Group Plc).
Among the distinguished members of the nation’s capital market community at the occasion were Dr. Oba Otudeko, Chairman of Honeywell Group and Past President of the NSE; Aigboje Aig-Imuokhuede, Chairman of Coronation Group; Alhaji Umaru Kwairanga, Chairman of the Nigerian Exchange Group; and Temi Popoola, Group Chief Executive Officer of NGX Group, among other notable personalities.
In his opening remarks, Dr Kwairanga captured the essence of Ogunbanjo’s profound impact, emphasizing his pivotal role in steering the successful completion of the demutualization process within the Group.
He hailed Ogunbanjo as not just a mere leader, but a beacon of light and a guiding force within the community, underscoring his instrumental contribution to reshaping the Group’s trajectory in the West African sub-region.
On his part, Aig-Imuokhuede reflected on the unparalleled commitment demonstrated by Ogunbanjo throughout the demutualization process, extolling his remarkable service to the industry.
“You served the world in a way only few could do,” Aig-Imuokhuede said, noting Ogunbanjo’s indelible legacy and wishing him eternal peace.
, while echoing the sentiments of admiration and gratitude, highlighted Ogunbanjo’s unwavering dedication to the exchange’s success and seamless leadership transitions.
Also speaking, Otudeko, shared poignant recollections of Ogunbanjo, portraying him as an adroit gentleman whose simplicity, brilliance, and doggedness were instrumental during the demutualization process.
Reflecting on Ogunbanjo’s legacy, Abubakar Mahmoud, SAN, former Chairman of NGX, lauded his patriotism and commitment to national development, just as Olusola Adeosun, President and Chairman of Council at the Chartered Institute of Stockbrokers, expressed deep sorrow at the loss, emphasizing Ogunbanjo’s magnetic personality and profound impact on the institute.
Sam Onukwue, Chairman of the Association of Securities Dealers, equally hailed Ogunbanjo’s transformative leadership and global perspective, crediting his strong legal acumen and industry experience in navigating the exchange’s restructuring.
Echoing sentiments of admiration, Darren Bennett-Voci, CEO of Beta Glass Plc, credited Ogunbanjo’s strategic guidance during challenging times.
Erelu Angela Adebayo, former Chairperson of NGX Real Estate, fondly recalled Ogunbanjo’s unwavering commitment to Nigeria’s progress, portraying him as a patriot who left an indelible mark on the industry.
