NGX Group salutes retired directors for shaping Nigeria’s capital market
The Nigerian Exchange Group (NGX Group) has paid tribute to its retired directors, whose visionary leadership and far-reaching decisions have helped define the landscape of Nigeria’s capital market over the decades.
The celebration followed the group’s 64th Annual General Meeting (AGM) held in Lagos, where the organisation restated its commitment to carrying forward a legacy built on innovation, operational excellence, and deep engagement with stakeholders—values long championed by the retiring board members.
NGX Group reaffirmed that the foundations laid by these leaders would remain central to its mission of delivering sustainable market growth and long-term value creation.
In his remarks, Group Chairman Alhaji Umaru Kwairanga acknowledged the enduring imprint of their service: “Tonight, we honour the remarkable men and women whose leadership, dedication, and foresight have left an indelible mark on our Exchange and on Nigeria’s financial markets. Their legacies are woven into our fabric and will continue to shape the direction we take.”
Also addressing the gathering, Lagos State Commissioner for Finance, Mr Abayomi Oluyomi—speaking on behalf of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu—praised the broader impact of the retirees’ work, noting that their efforts helped reinforce Lagos’s stature as Africa’s foremost financial and economic centre.
Dr Emomotimi Agama, Director-General of the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), acknowledged the profound structural shifts made possible by the former directors’ leadership.
“These distinguished leaders laid the foundation for today’s dynamic, transparent, and globally competitive capital market,” he said. “The governance benchmarks and bold decisions they championed continue to serve as a standard for excellence.”
Adding a cultural dimension to the tributes, His Imperial Majesty, Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, Ojaja II, commended the honourees’ contributions to national development.
“As a custodian of both tradition and progress, I celebrate these trailblazers whose wisdom and commitment have helped drive Nigeria’s economic advancement and inspired a new generation of leaders.”
Mr Aigboje Aig-Imoukhuede, CFR—former President of The Nigerian Stock Exchange and Chairman of Access Holdings Plc—reflected on the long-term impact of their governance.
“Capital markets are the backbone of thriving economies. The progress we see today is a direct result of these directors’ vision, integrity, and the governance principles they upheld,” he said.
A moving moment in the evening came during a tribute to the late Bamofin Abimbola Ogunbanjo, the former Group Chairman, whose role was instrumental in the Exchange’s demutualisation and transition into a modern market platform. Other key figures, including Mr Oscar Onyema, former Chief Executive Officer of The Nigerian Stock Exchange and current Group Managing Director of NGX Group, were also recognised for leading the institution through periods of major reform and transformation.
Closing the evening, Group Managing Director Temi Popoola expressed appreciation for the honourees’ contributions while reaffirming the NGX Group’s future ambitions.
“Tonight, we honour not only the architects of our past, but also the partners helping us build the future. To our retired directors, your legacies continue to inspire the next generation. Together, we remain committed to shaping a capital market that reflects Nigeria’s innovation, resilience, and strength,” he said.
With a wealth of collective experience, the retired directors helped transform the NGX Group into a technology-driven, globally relevant institution. Their work has significantly strengthened corporate governance, boosted investor confidence, and expanded the capital market’s reach, establishing a strong foundation for continued growth and investment across Nigeria and the African continent.