The Guardian’s publisher seeks growth in NSE’s competitiveness, professionalism
Publisher, The Guardian, Lady Maiden Alex-Ibru (middle); Executive Director, Tive Alex-Ibru (left); Chief Finance Officer, Solomon Alonge; Chairman, Ibru Organisation, Olorogun Oskar Ibru; Chief Executive Officer, Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE), Oscar Onyema; President, NSE, Abimbola Ogunbanjo; Chairman, Editorial Board, The Guardian, Prof. Wale Omole; Chief Operating Officer, Dr. Alexander Thomopulos and Executive Director, Toke Alex-Ibru at the ‘Closing Gong’ ceremony to mark The Guardian’s 35th Anniversary in Lagos… at the weekend. PHOTO: FEMI ADEBESIN-KUTI
Publisher of The Guardian Newspapers, Lady Maiden Alex-Ibru, has commended the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) on the growth recorded so far in its wealth creation process.
She said the exchange should continue to meet the needs of investors with high level of competitiveness as espoused in its corporate overview as “an open, professional and vibrant exchange, connecting Nigeria, Africa and the world.”
Alex-Ibru, who stated this yesterday in Lagos, at the ‘Closing Gong’ Ceremony to mark the company’s 35th anniversary, affirmed that The Guardian Newspaper, commonly referred to as the flagship of the Nigerian Press, was proud to be associated with the 58-year old exchange.
She said the NSE, which services the largest economy in Africa and is currently championing the development of the continent’s financial markets, is a trailblazer in its own right.
Executive Director, The Guardian, Toke Alex-Ibru, Chairman, Editorial Board, Professor Wale Omole, Chief Operating Officer/Director, Dr. Alexander A. Thomopulos, Chief Executive Officer, Ibru Organisation, Olorogun Oskar Ibru and other management team attended the event.
“Besides, we are delighted to be here because the NSE adopts the highest level of international standards in its operations that we report daily.
“We are also aware that the NSE belongs to a number of international and regional organisations, which promote the development and integration of global best practices across their platforms,” she said.
Alex-Ibru, who did not rule out the possibility of listing the newspaper on the exchange in the near future, added: “We are impressed too by the simplicity of your corporate governance profile, which we have also studied.
“You have a simple Executive Committee of three members, supported by National Council and National Committee Members who are professionals in the capital market, financial institutions and firms.
“We would, in this connection, like to appreciate the recognition you have accorded us by this invitation as we clock 35 this year. It is marvelous in our eyes.
“Because of your remarkable profile, The Guardian Newspapers Limited, owners of The Guardian with strong brand equity too, may be listed on the prestigious Stock Exchange in the near future.”
“We understand that you are a member of the International Organisation of Securities Commissions (IOSCO), World Federation of Exchanges (WFE), Sustainable Stock Exchanges (NSE) Initiative, SIIA’s Financial Information Services Division (FISD) and the Inter-market Surveillance Group (ISG).
“We are also told that the NSE is a founding member and executive committee member of the African Securities Exchanges Association (ASEA).”
She pointed out that the NSE enhanced its status in November 2014 when it signed a Capital Market Agreement (CMA) with the London Stock Exchange Group (LSEG) at the UKTI and the Emerging Capital event at the NSE.
“The objective of this initiative under the leadership of its Chief Executive Officer, Oscar N. Onyema and supported by its immediate past President, Aigboje Aig-Imoukhuede, is to strengthen cooperation and promote mutual development between the two exchanges.
“The agreement supports African companies seeking dual listings in London and Lagos.
We recall that Sir Roger Gifford, Chairman of the UK Foreign and Commonwealth Office, witnessed the historic agreement.”
Alex-Ibru further stated that The Guardian Newspaper, which has been described as ‘Nigeria’s most influential Newspaper and ‘the flagship of the Nigerian Press’ owes allegiance to no political party, ethnic community, religious or any other interest groups.
She said its primary commitment is to the integrity and sovereignty of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and to the unity and sovereignty of Africa, stressing: “The Guardian is a liberal newspaper, committed to the best traditions and ideals of republican democracy.
“It believes that it is the responsibility of the state, not only to protect and defend the citizens, but also to create the political, socio-economic and cultural conditions, in which all citizens may achieve their highest potentials as human beings.”
She restated that the Newspaper would continue to uphold the need for justice, probity in public life, equal access to the nation’s resources and equal protection under the country’s laws for all citizens.
Responding, Onyema commended The Guardian Newspapers for sustaining its leadership position in the industry over the years.
“Today’s event is very special”!
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