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FMDQ Group PLC Hosts its 7th Annual GOLD Awards for the Nigerian Financial Markets
L-R: Chief Executive Officer, FMDQ Group PLC, Mr. Bola Onadele. Koko; Group Chief Operating Officer, FMDQ Group PLC, Ms. Kaodi Ugoji; Director-General, Securities and Exchange Commission, Nigeria, Dr. Emomotimi Agama; Group Chairman, FMDQ Group PLC, Dr. Jibril Aku; Managing Director, FMDQ Securities Exchange Limited, Ms. Tumi Sekoni; and Managing Director, FMDQ Clear Limited, Mr. Ayodele Onawunmi, at the 7th FMDQ GOLD Awards held on Friday, November 8, 2024, in Lagos.
In line with its commitment to transform the Nigerian financial markets through its “GOLD” (Global Competitiveness, Operational Excellence, Liquidity, and Diversity) Agenda, FMDQ Group PLC (“FMDQ Group” or the “Group”) once again hosted its 7th annual GOLD Awards (the “FMDQ GOLD Awards”) in Lagos, on November 8, 2024, to recognise individuals and institutions whose expertise, leadership, and dedication have been integral to shaping the markets. The prestigious event, designed to acknowledge and celebrate the contributions of market participants, whose participation in the FMDQ markets and across the financial market infrastructure value chain of FMDQ’s business – Exchange, Central Counterparty, Depository – as well as Private Markets, have played a key role in fostering the growth of the Nigerian financial markets and positively impacted the development of the economy was graced by the Director-General, Securities and Exchange Commission, Nigeria, Dr. Emomotimi Agama, as the Special Guest of Honour, along with various stakeholders, industry leaders, and esteemed guests. Delivering the Welcome Address, Dr. Jibril Aku, the Group Chairman of FMDQ Group PLC, stated, “In a year marked by global and domestic economic uncertainties, our financial markets have had to adapt in the face of significant challenges. However, it is through these very challenges that our market participants have demonstrated remarkable resilience and innovation. Your unwavering commitment has been instrumental in driving stability and sustaining growth in Nigeria’s financial ecosystem, and it is our privilege to celebrate these achievements with you.” In his Keynote Address, Dr. Emomotimi Agama, the Director-General, Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”), Nigeria, stated, “Over the years, FMDQ has played a transformative role in revolutionising the capital market in Nigeria, particularly in providing innovative solutions for investors, especially in the fixed income and bond markets. FMDQ has provided leadership and transparency to a key sector of the capital market that, hitherto, nobody knew about and wasn’t even counted as part of the capital market. Due to the nature of the investment in fixed income space, it is vital for regulators and investors to have a clear view of the size and depth of the markets. This has definitely contributed to improved liquidity and strengthening of the financial market infrastructure landscape in Nigeria”. The prestigious 2024 GOLD Awards were presented following a rigorous verification process by Ernst & Young, Nigeria (EY), underscoring the integrity and credibility of the accolades. The GOLD Awards spanned five (5) broad categories: FMDQ Primary Market Awards, FMDQ Secondary Market Awards, FMDQ Members’ & Clients’ Choice Awards, FMDQ Leadership Award and FMDQ Recognition Award. A total of twenty-six (26) awards were presented, with Chapel Hill Denham Advisory Limited and Stanbic IBTC Bank Limited emerging as the winners of the Primary Market Champion Award (FMDQ Capital Markets Securities Origination) and Secondary Market Champion Award (FMDQ Dealing Member of the Year), respectively. Whilst the Primary and Secondary Markets Awards were data-driven, the FMDQ Members’ & Clients’ Choice Awards provided a unique opportunity for the FMDQ Exchange’s Members and clients to nominate and vote for active participants across the fixed income and currencies markets. The Leadership Award (FMDQ Capital Market Catalyst), in recognition of an entity’s potential to significantly impact the Nigerian capital markets, facilitate access to capital, value transfer and deliver effective and efficient risk management, was presented to the Federal Government of Nigeria (represented by the Federal Ministry of Finance) for the establishment of the maiden Domestic FGNUS Dollar Bond Programme). Furthermore, a highlight of the night was the presentation of the Recognition Award (FMDQ Markets Enabler) by the Group Chairman of FMDQ Group, Dr. Jibril Aku and the Group Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Bola Onadele. Koko, to the worthy recipient, Dr. Emomotimi Agama, the Director-General of the SEC, who was recognised as a capital markets connoisseur with a track record of dedicated contribution and impact in the developmental history of the Nigerian capital markets over a sustained period through knowledge transfer, policy formulation and collaboration; with an undeniable and insatiable hunger for market development, and is uniquely positioned to achieve groundbreaking change and rapid development in the Nigerian capital markets for nationwide prosperity. As part of the evening’s entertainment, the young graduates of the FMDQ Next Generation Financial Markets Empowerment Programme (“FMDQ-Next”) 2024 Summer Camp (Primary School Stream), via a captivating playlet, demonstrated their learnings from the Programme. Through their performance, they explored several key topics, including the diverse range of financial products traded in FMDQ’s markets and the comprehensive services offered by FMDQ Group and its subsidiaries. FMDQ-Next stands as FMDQ’s flagship corporate responsibility initiative, dedicated to promoting financial market awareness and literacy among students at all academic levels, equipping them with the essential knowledge needed to navigate the financial landscape. FMDQ Group is Africa’s first vertically integrated financial market infrastructure (FMI) group, strategically positioned to provide registration, listing, quotation and noting services; integrated trading platform, clearing & central counterparty, and settlement services for financial markets transactions; depository of securities, as well as data and information services, across the debt capital, foreign exchange, derivatives and equity markets, through its wholly owned subsidiaries – FMDQ Securities Exchange Limited, FMDQ Clear Limited, FMDQ Depository Limited and FMDQ Private Markets Limited. As a sustainability-focused FMI group, FMDQ Group, through FMDQ Exchange, operates Africa’s premier Green Exchange – FMDQ Green Exchange – positioned to lead the transition towards a sustainable future.
NEWS
Where culture meets connection: ‘Made by Africa, loved by the world’ returns for its fifth year
22 May 2025, – In celebration of Africa Day, Facebook today launched the pan-African “Made by Africa, loved by the world” campaign, celebrating the creative brilliance and global impact of Africans from across the continent. This year’s theme, “Where Culture Meets Connection,” reinforces Facebook as the leading space for conversation around cultural moments globally, and brings together internationally recognised African creatives from diverse disciplines, uniting to create a powerful celebration of African creativity, culture and global influence.
The three short cinematic films, premiering on the Meta Africa page, takes viewers on a journey through the groundbreaking work, personal stories, and cultural influences of some of Africa’s six most dynamic creative talents. Through powerful storytelling, the campaign unites diverse art forms of film, animation, dance, music and photography into a single narrative of creativity and collaboration.
Meet the creators behind the campaign
Featuring some of the continent’s most popular and loved creatives from Nigeria, Kenya, Ghana and South Africa, the films explore themes of identity, creativity, and connection across the continent, celebrating not only their artistry, but their widespread influence and cultural resonance.
- Ladipoe (Rapper) x Fat Boy Animations (Animation)
- Ladipoe (Nigeria): A BET award nominee, he is a Nigerian rapper known for fusing global hip-hop sounds with African rhythms, he is a leader of Nigeria’s hip-hop revival with his authenticity and originality inspiring a new generation of artists
- Fatboy Animations (Kenya): A studio founded by self-taught animator Michael Muthiga and twice recognized by Forbes magazine as one to watch, Fatboy Animations is known for creating fun, original African stories, with the studio’s standout character, Kapinto receiving international acclaim.
- Lisa Quama (Dancer) x Gilbert Asante (Photographer)
- Lisa Quama (Ghana): A dancer and content creator celebrated for her energetic dance videos. She gained major recognition after featuring in Beyoncé’s “Already” music video alongside Shatta Wale.
- Gilbert Asante (Ghana): A creative director, photographer and multidisciplinary artist known for his vibrant visual storytelling and refined style. His work has been featured in GQ, Glam Africa and Glitz Africa.
- David Tlale (Fashion Designer) x Ofentse Mwase (Videographer)
- David Tlale (South Africa): A fashion designer who approaches fashion with an eye toward bold and creative designs that fuse African heritage with modern style. His innovative designs have been showcased at major fashion events—from New York and Paris to Cape Town Fashion Weeks, whilst his designs have graced some of entertainment’s biggest events such as the Met Gala.
- Ofentse Mwase (South Africa): A talented South African filmmaker with over 24 international awards for his visual storytelling. His creativity shines in his unique visual effects and storytelling, often blending African culture with modern themes.
Commenting, Kezia Anim-Addo, Communications Director, Africa, Middle East & Turkey (AMET), said: “We’re incredibly excited to shine a spotlight and celebrate just some of the amazing creative talent that casts a light on our African culture and connects us to the world. Facebook is a leading place for conversations around cultural moments, and through this campaign, we’re not only celebrating individual success stories – we’re also showcasing how culture and social media together can drive meaningful connection and inspiration.”
The Non-Teaching Staff Union of Polytechnics (NOTSUP) has successfully established a new chapter at Federal Polytechnic Ohodo in Enugu State. This development marks a significant milestone in the union’s efforts to strengthen its presence and advocate for the rights and welfare of non-teaching staff across Nigeria.
This new chapter was established and inaugurated on May 13, 2025, by NOTSUP Southeast Zonal Executive Council, led by Comrade Victor Iduma Okocha and comprising Comrade Kalu Azuma Nwankwo and Comrade Maxwell Obijuru. The formation of this chapter is expected to enhance the welfare and well-being of non-teaching staff at Federal Polytechnic Ohodo, providing them with a stronger collective voice to negotiate with management and address key issues affecting their livelihoods.
Following the inauguration, the Federal Polytechnic Ohodo new chapter chairman, Comrade Chidi Ugwele, in his speech stated, “I reserve all glory for God almighty. I extend my deepest gratitude to the school management for approving the establishment and indeed the inauguration of our union on May 13, 2025, and recognizing the importance of collective representation for non-teaching staff. I also appreciate NOTSUP, Southeast Zonal Executive Council, and the National Executive Council for accepting to establish the union in the polytechnic.He equally called on all the chapter members to come together and make NOTSUP, FEDPOD Chapter a Success.”
The new chapter will provide a platform for non-teaching staff at Federal Polytechnic Ohodo to come together, share concerns, and work collectively towards improving their working conditions and overall well-being. With this establishment, NOTSUP continues to solidify its commitment to representing and supporting non-teaching staff in the polytechnic sector.
During the inauguration, the Southeast Zonal Executive Council presented the new chapter leadership with letters of appointment issued by the union’s National Executive Council. The Federal Polytechnic Ohodo Chapter Executives inaugurated include the Chairman, Comrade Chidi Ugwele, Secretary, Achi Thomas, Vice Chairman, Ugwuafia Nneamaka, Financial Secretary, Ebekue Ifeoma, Treasurer, Elom Chinedu, Assistant Secretary, Eneh Anulika, Welfare Officer, Okpaga Davidson, and Public Relation Officer, Lawal Saheed.
The inauguration was attended by Federal Polytechnic Ohodo management who were invited as guests of honor, including the Rector, heavily represented by the Deputy Rector, Dr Cornelius O Ogayi, Registrar heavily represented by the Director Admissions, Mr Austin Ugwoke, Acting Bursar, Mrs Udeh Patient A, polytechnic Librarian, Dr Ejike C Igwebuike.
The NOTSUP National President, Comrade Shaba Nakorji, while receiving the report on the inauguration, expressed gratitude to the Federal Polytechnic Ohodo management. He stated that the National Executive Council is optimistic that NOTSUP in the polytechnic will foster a stronger, more united voice for non-teaching staff, enabling them to effectively address challenges and pursue opportunities for growth and development.
This establishment is a testament to NOTSUP’s dedication to its members and its mission to promote a better working environment for non-teaching staff in polytechnics across the country.
Photo from left to right: Chapter Public Relation Officer, Lawal Saheed A, Chapter Vice Chairman, Ugwuafia Nneamaka, Chapter Financial Secretary, Ebekue Ifeoma, Chapter Chairman, Comrade Ugwele Chidiebere, Polytechnic Librarian, Dr Ejike C Igwebuike, Deputy Rector, Dr Cornelius O Ogayi, Southeast Zonal Coordinator, Comrade Victor Iduma Okocha, Zonal Publicity Secretary, Comrade Maxwell Obijuru, Zonal Secretary, Comrade Kalu Azuma Nwankwo, Assistant Secretary, Eneh Anulika E,
Treasurer , Elon Chinedu N,
Welfare Officer, Okpaga Davidson E.
.
Left to Right: Comrade Kalu Nwankwo, Comrade Victor Iduma Okocha, The Rector Dr. Mrs. Essien Uduma, Comrade Maxwell Obijuru, Comrade Matthew Ekong, Comrade Enobong Williams
The Non-Teaching Staff Union of Polytechnics (NOTSUP) has secured formal recognition from Federal Polytechnic Ukana, marking a significant milestone in its history. This recognition strengthens NOTSUP’s presence within the institution, enabling the union to undertake labor activities and provide representation for its members.
Comrade Enobong Williams, NOTSUP Chairman at Federal Polytechnic Ukana, and Comrade Ekong Matthew, pioneer former Secretary of NOTSUP at Yaba College of Technology, received the formal recognition letter issued by Federal Polytechnic Ukana.
Left to Right: Comrade Kalu Nwankwo, Comrade Victor Iduma Okocha, The Rector Dr. Mrs. Essien Uduma, Comrade Maxwell Obijuru, Comrade Matthew Ekong, Comrade Enobong Williams
The recognition letter comes after a delegation from NOTSUP’s Southeast Zonal Executive Council (ZEC), led by Comrade Victor Iduma Okocha and comprising Comrade Kalu A. Nwankwo and Comrade Maxwell Obijuru, visited Federal Polytechnic Ukana on April 17, 2025. During their visit, they formally requested a recognition letter.
The National President of NOTSUP, Comrade Shaba Nakorji, expressed gratitude upon receiving the recognition letter. He thanked the Rector and Management of Federal Polytechnic Ukana for recognizing NOTSUP, highlighting the importance of this development for the union and its members.
This recognition is expected to enhance NOTSUP’s ability to advocate for the rights and interests of non-teaching staff at Federal Polytechnic Ukana, fostering a more collaborative and productive work environment.
NOTSUP has recognized established Chapters across state and federal government-owned polytechnics, including: Federal Polytechnic Bida, Akanu Ibiam Federal Polytechnic Unwana, Federal Polytechnic Nekede, Federal Polytechnic Offa, Abia State Polytechnic (Ogbonnia Onu Polytechnic), Yaba College of Technology, Federal Polytechnic Idah, Federal Polytechnic Ado-Ekiti, Federal Polytechnic Kaltungo, College of Agric Lafia, Federal Polytechnic Gombe, Rufus Giwa Polytechnic, Kaduna Polytechnic, Federal Polytechnic Ede, Nigeria Institute of Legal Studies Zaria, Federal Polytechnic Ukana, and many others.
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