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Change Of Guards At NGX, Popoola, Chiemeka Step Up, Onyema Bows Out

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Sequel to the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC)’s No-Objection to the announcement of appointments, the Nigerian Exchange Group Plc (NGX Group) has disclosed the appointment of Temi Popoola as GMD/CEO designate effective January 1, 2024.

This was revealed in statement made available to Biztellers in Lagos by Group Company Secretary, NGX, Obehi Ikhaghe.

Biztellers reports that in a related development, Jude Chiemeka has been appointed as the Acting Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Nigerian Exchange Limited (NGX) effective January 1, 2024.

The appointments are subject to SEC’s formal approval in keeping with extant laws governing the Nigerian capital market, Biztellers reports.

It was gathered that the current GMD/CEO, NGX, Oscar N. Onyema, would be finishing his tenure on 31 March 2024.

However, ahead of this, Onyema would embark on his terminal leave effective January 1, 2024.

Popoola is currently the CEO, NGX and a member of NGX Group Executive Committee chaired by Onyema.

He is a successful C-suite leader upon whom his unique blend of business acumen, financial expertise, global market growth and operational insight have bestowed a reputation of verifiable career achievements.

He began his career in London as a portfolio manager focused on African energy markets and worked for several years as a senior equity derivatives trader with Bank of America Securities in New York, where he drove firm profitability by providing derivative solutions to US corporations and family offices.

A Wall Street-trained investment banker, Popoola joined the NGX in 2021 as CEO from Renaissance Capital (Rencap) where he was the Managing Director and CEO for West Africa.

At the NGX, he oversaw and supported its continuous growth, profitability, and success by providing strategic market insight and leadership.

Popoola graduated with a first-class degree in Chemical Engineering from University of Lagos and holds a Masters’ degree from Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT).

He is a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) and a Chartered Stockbroker (CIS).

On his part, Chiemeka is currently the Executive Director of Capital Markets responsible for Trading, Products Development and Listings at the NGX.

He is a member of the NGX’s Executive Committee chaired by Popoola.

He has over 29 years’ experience in Securities Trading and Asset Management across markets in Africa.

Prior to joining the NGX, he was the MD/CEO of United Capital Securities, a subsidiary of United Capital Plc listed on the NGX.

He is a Fellow and Council Member of the Chartered Institute of Stockbrokers (FCS), a Member of the Institute of Directors (IOD), a Fellow of the Association of Investment Advisers and Portfolio Managers and an Associate of the Certified Pension Institute of Nigeria.

He is also an alumnus of the University of Lagos, Lagos Business School and the University of Oxford, UK.

On the appointments, Chairman, NGX Group Plc, Umaru Kwairanga, stated, “I am delighted to announce these pivotal changes in the leadership of NGX Group which is a testament to effective succession planning.

“I would like to express my profound gratitude to Mr. Onyema for his stellar leadership first as the CEO of The Nigerian Stock Exchange from 2011 – 2021 and thereafter as the GMD/CEO of NGX Group Plc from 2021 -2024.

Mr. Onyema led the stabilization, growth, demutualization and restructuring of The Nigerian Stock Exchange to NGX Group Plc, a public company limited by shares, which is a significant milestone in the organisation’s history.

“He also led the listing of the Company on the main board of NGX.

“I have no doubt in Mr. Popoola’s capability to successfully continue the legacy Mr. Onyema has created, and take NGX Group to greater heights. I also firmly believe in Mr. Chiemeka’s ability to seamlessly assume leadership at NGX from Mr. Popoola, building upon his impressive achievements and fostering continued growth in the capital market.”

In the same vein, Onyema said, “I am deeply appreciative of the privilege to have led The Nigerian Stock Exchange as its CEO and later, Nigerian Exchange Group Plc as its GMD/CEO.

“I extend my best wishes to Mr. Popoola, and have full confidence in his capabilities to continue the legacy and growth of NGX Group.

“I am grateful for the support and dedication of the entire team at NGX Group and capital market stakeholders throughout my tenure.

“Together, we drove significant development in the African capital markets, and I am proud of the various accomplishments we have achieved since 2011.

“As I step into a new phase, I am committed to ensuring a smooth transition and look forward to witnessing the continued growth and prosperity of NGX Group under Mr. Popoola’s leadership. The future is indeed promising.

On his part, Popoola averred, “I step into this new role at NGX Group Plc with a deep sense of responsibility and enthusiasm. I extend my appreciation to Mr. Onyema, for his exceptional leadership during his tenure and to the Board of Directors for the confidence reposed in me.

“The modernization of the Nigerian market infrastructure space and the demutualization and restructuring of NSE under Mr. Onyema’s guidance have been instrumental in shaping NGX Group, and I am honored to continue this legacy.

“I am fully committed to building on the foundation laid out and taking NGX Group to greater heights. With the support of the dedicated team and in collaboration with the esteemed leadership, I am optimistic about the exciting opportunities and challenges that lie ahead.

“I am also very confident in Mr. Chiemeka’s ability to successfully steer the helm of affairs at NGX and propel NGX to greater heights”.

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CSOs Urge Further Reduction Of Pump Prices Of Petrol

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NNPCL Raises Official Fuel Pump Price To N537 Per Litre

 

Following the marginal reduction of the pump prices of premium motor spirit (PMS) by the Dangote Petroleum Refinery and the Nigerian National Petrol Company Limited (NNPC Ltd), civil society groups have reacted by calling for further downward review.

Recall that the Dangote Petroleum Refinery had announced a partnership with MRS Oil and Gas to offer petrol at N935 per litre at retail outlets, while it reviewed the ex-depot price from N970 to N899.50 per litre.

The move, saw state oil major, the Nigeria National Petroleum Company peg its retail prices at N965/litre.

ALSO READ: Dangote Partnership: MRS Urges Nigerians To Insist On N935/Litre Petrol Price Nationwide

However, the civil society groups are of the opinion that the price reduction, fall short of expectations.

According to the Chairman, Centre for Accountability and Open Leadership, Debo Adeniran, the reduced price of N935/litre was still expensive and unsatisfactory.

He pointed out that petrol was just one of the products coming out of crude and that both government and private business could still give out free petrol to citizens while making huge profits from the other products.

In his words, “Well, we believe that if NNPC and the private sector actually give out PMS for free, they will still not run their business at a loss, because the other derivatives of petroleum products can still serve them, and can still make them to break even. So, even at that N900 and something, it’s still expensive.

“Dangote has kind of mooted the idea that it could drop to as low as N650. And if he has mulled this, then it means that it is the state, it is the NNPC that will have been the clog in the wheel of such progress. And you know also that we expected that fuel prices, especially PMS prices, will drop below N200 when Dangote was expected to come on stream.

“So, it’s unfortunate that we are still talking about over N900 and they want us to jump up and rejoice for that. That is not satisfactory. They should just let us see the breakdown of their production cost and why it’s still there. I mean, there are countries like Libya under Gaddafi that gave out PMS for free and they didn’t run anything at any loss. So, I believe that it can still go further down.”

On his part, the Executive Director of the Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre, Ibrahim Rafsanjani, commended the reduction of fuel prices by the NNPC and Dangote, but said the government could still reduce the price.

“Dangote’s own is about N899 or something like that. Well first and foremost, we are happy that there is a little reduction in the prices. But also based on analysis and based on facts and evidences, we believe that it is possible for the Nigerian government to further reduce the prices.

“Because if a private company can reduce the price and it still makes profit, we wonder why government-owned enterprises cannot really pity its citizens,” he said.

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Non-Oil Sector Fuels Nigeria’s Q3 2024 GDP Growth, Says CBN

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The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has announced a significant growth in the country’s economy, with a 3.46% increase in gross domestic product (GDP) in the third quarter of 2024.

This marks the third consecutive quarter of expansion, up from 3.19% in Q2 2024 and 2.54% in Q3 2023.

According to the newly published Q3 economic report, Nigeria’s GDP output rose to ₦20.115 trillion, reflecting a notable improvement from ₦18.285 trillion in the previous quarter.

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The CBN attributed this growth primarily to the performance of the non-oil sector, which grew by 3.37% compared to 2.80% in Q2 2024.

The report highlighted transportation, crop production, and other sub-sectors such as financial & insurance services, information & communication, trade, and real estate as major contributors to the expansion.

The non-oil sector accounted for 3.18 percentage points of the total growth rate.

“The expansion of the non-oil sector was driven by the performance of the financial & insurance, information & communication, crop production, trade, transportation & storage, and real estate sub-sectors,” the report stated.

Despite the economic growth, challenges persist. Inflation, particularly in food prices, remains a significant concern, standing at 39.93% as of November 2024.

Rising food and energy costs have also impacted transportation expenses, with intercity bus fares increasing by 20.23% year-on-year to ₦7,117.17 in July 2024, according to the National Bureau of Statistics.

Furthermore, the cost of petroleum, now exceeding ₦1,000 per litre, has driven up logistics and transportation expenses, adding pressure to households and businesses alike.

The CBN acknowledged these challenges, noting that the growth was achieved despite headwinds such as high inflation and rising operational costs.

Enhanced security measures in the Niger Delta have boosted domestic crude oil production, while restrictive monetary policies have helped moderate inflation in some areas.

“The growth recorded in the country is a result of continued efforts to improve the business environment, streamline cumbersome business processes, and deepen the quality of business infrastructure,” the CBN noted.

However, the report comes amid concerns over businesses exiting Nigeria due to persistent economic challenges.

 

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CSR: Asharami Synergy Donates Furniture To Gaskiya Junior School

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AOW 2021: Sahara Group advocates measured transition in Africa’s upstream sector

 

Asharami Synergy, a leading downstream energy solutions provider, has demonstrated its commitment to community development and education by donating essential furniture to Gaskiya Junior School in Ijora, Lagos, Nigeria.

Biztellers reports that the social responsibility initiative was executed in collaboration with Sahara Group Foundation – the social impact vehicle of global energy conglomerate, Sahara Group.

It was gathered that the initiative is part of Asharami Synergy’s ongoing efforts to support education in communities.

The donation includes classroom desks and chairs for the JSS1 classes.

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CEO of Asharami Synergy, Nomnso Dike, said the project will create a more comfortable and functional learning environment and enhance student performance.

“We are delighted at the opportunity to support the attainment of Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 4, which focuses on ensuring inclusive and equitable quality education. It has been a privilege to collaborate with the management and students of Gaskiya Junior School to deliver this project, and we look forward to future opportunities to enhance academic performance in this historic institution,” Dike said.

According to him, Asharami Synergy’s education-focused social impact initiatives have benefitted over 10,000 individuals. They focus on building capacity and providing the resources necessary to help students learn and grow sustainably.

“Education is the foundation of a brighter future, and at Asharami Synergy, we believe that every child deserves a learning environment that inspires and empowers them” he noted, adding, “This donation is not just about providing furniture; it’s a reminder to the students that their dreams are valid, and we are committed to helping them achieve their goals.”

Vice Principal Academic of Gaskiya Junior School, Sola Oladokun, commended Asharami Synergy for the donation, noting that it would inspire students to perform better with “increased concentration and fewer distractions”.

“These desks and chairs are a game-changer for our students. It’s heartwarming to see their excitement, and as teachers, we are equally thrilled because this will make teaching and learning more effective. We are incredibly grateful to Asharami Synergy and Sahara Group Foundation for this thoughtful intervention,” she added.

Two representatives of the students, Akin Moses and Chukwudi Gift, at the event said the donation would increase their “desire to dream bigger and concentrate better during lessons”.

Also speaking at the commissioning, COO at Asharami Synergy, Adekanmi Adesola, said, “What started as an opportunity to support the communities that host our operations has now come full circle. This donation directly impacts the lives of these students, and we are proud to bring smiles to the faces of the students and teachers.”

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