Connect with us

news

Stakeholders unveil strategies to deepen Nigeria’s debt market

Published

on

 

 

Critical steps required to deepen Nigeria’s debt market was the focus of discourse in Lagos as the Annual Bonds, Loans and Sukuk Nigeria Conference was held in the Nigerian commercial capital on November 6, 2018, at the Eko Convention Centre.

 

The conference, with Stanbic IBTC as gold sponsor, brought together over 300 participants comprising government officials, corporates, Banks, fund managers, investors and advisors. It is the premier event connecting fund raisers with lenders and investors active within the Nigerian capital market space. The event featured over 30 key industry speakers who shared views on local asset management, developments in the pensions and alternative asset management space, and issues affecting institutional investors; as well as providing insights on the capital market strategies of leading sovereign, corporate and project companies. The conference also facilitated networking meetings with the region’s most active issuers, offering a sneak peek into proposed new innovative financing structures.

 

Chairman of the event and Chief Executive, Stanbic IBTC Bank PLC, Demola Sogunle, in his welcome address, said the conference is growing in stature as a major platform to glean useful information on capital market developments, especially at a time that access to capital has become imperative for Nigeria in the wake of global market volatility.

 

“The bond market plays a central role in the deepening of financial markets not only for the diversity of products it offers the market but essentially its role in improving diversification of funding sources and increasing access to credit markets. It is therefore the right time to ensure that proper structures are in place to ensure the development of a deep and expansive bonds, loans and derivatives market in Nigeria,” Sogunle stated.

 

He said by throwing its weight behind the event, Stanbic IBTC hopes to trigger the inflow of foreign direct investment into Nigeria by highlighting the country’s huge potential and growth opportunities. This, he said, is in line with the group’s tradition of facilitating must-attend forums where critical insights on the Nigerian economy and the opportunities therein are provided.

 

Headline speakers at the event included Director-General, Debt Management Office, Patience Oniha; Senior Resident Representative in Nigeria, International Monetary Fund(IMF), Amine Mati; Acting Director-General, Securities and Exchange Commission of Nigeria, Mary Uduk; General Manager/Corporate Treasurer, MTN Nigeria, Ishmael Nwokocha; and Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Sigma Pensions Ltd., Dave Uduanu.

 

Oniha, who spoke on the topic “Understanding Islamic Finance: what are the requirements, processes and benefits of tapping into this market”, enumerated the impact of Islamic finance in the growth trajectory of many countries across the world. While making a case to harness this very important source of funding, she also highlighted government’s key funding requirements and where the funds will come from and the role of government in delivering infrastructure projects.

 

The forum had panel discussions which featured in-depth analysis of case studies, as well as examining Africa’s use of debt products, and what is required to sustain the continent’s growth story.

 

A panel session on ”Bringing issuers and traders to the NGN bond markets: Boosting liquidity and trading volumes” featured as discussants; Mary Uduk, Vice President, Financial Markets Dealers Association, Adetoun Dosunmu; and Head of Global Markets, Stanbic IBTC, Sam Ocheho. It was moderated by Konrad Reuss, Managing Director, South Africa and Sub-Saharan Africa, S&P Global Ratings.

 

Executive Director, Stanbic IBTC Capital Ltd, Kobby Bentsi-Enchill, who moderated the session on ”Diversifying financing options for repeat issuers and assessing the practicalities for first time issuers and issuances in new sectors”, described the conference as a great platform for hearing from and networking with the industry key players in the Nigerian bonds and loans markets. The overall objective is to provide long-term financing for the country’s economic development. He emphasized that the development of an organized bond, loans and debt market would help diversify investment options and boost economic activities in the country. “Whether you are looking to become more involved in the Nigerian debt markets, or expand your existing business, the annual Bonds, Loans & Sukuk Nigeria Conference provides a prime opportunity for you to meet key market players and develop your knowledge, ”Bentsi-Enchill added.

 

Other top-level institutions that participated inthe conference, organized by the GFC Media Group, included Financial Derivatives Company Limited, Debt Management Office Nigeria, International

Monetary Fund (IMF), International Islamic Liquidity Management Corporation (IILM), Federal Ministry of Finance, Federal Ministry of Environment, Access Bank and Central Bank of Nigeria, amongst others.

 

The GFC Media Group organizes over a dozen financing and investment conferences, bringing together capital markets and structured finance professionals with borrowers and investors throughout the emerging markets.

 

news

Journalists for Good Governance Shines Searchlight on Local Government Administration

Published

on

Journalists for Good Governance Shines Searchlight on Local Government Administration

…Calls for Accountability in Nigeria’s Grassroots Governance

 

LAGOS, Nigeria — A civil society coalition known as Journalists for Good Governance(JGG) has intensified public debate on transparency and accountability within Nigeria’s local government system, urging media professionals, civil society actors, and citizens to hold grassroots leaders accountable.

Speaking an event in Lagos recently, the acting chairman of the society, Comrade Bunmi Obarotimi said that despite reforms such as the Supreme Court’s 2024 ruling granting financial autonomy to all 774 Local Government Areas (LGAs), systemic challenges continues to hinder effective service delivery and responsible stewardship of public funds.

“Local governments are the closest tier of government to the people — yet too often they remain the least transparent. Without civic oversight and vibrant media, promises of autonomy ring hollow.” the acting chairman said.

The Journalist for Good Governance emphasised crucial roles that journalists can play in uncovering discrepancies in council spending, flagging poor service delivery, and educating citizens on their rights. Their call comes amid wider efforts by media and civic organisations to bridge accountability gaps. The civil society initiatives had previously launched monitoring campaigns to track local government expenditures and have been quietly advocating for transparency in how public money is deployed.

The leaders of the Journalists for Good Governance (JGG) highlighted the importance of physical assessment and citizens engagement on projects to boost people’s confidence, urging local councils to adopt open data platforms and proactive information dissemination in compliance with the Freedom of Information Act. Experts say the majority of LGAs currently lack operational websites or digital portals, further limiting public scrutiny.

The Journalists for Good Governance initiative aligns with sustained advocacy by civil society groups and governance experts calling for a collective approach to strengthening democratic accountability, and has decided to engage in critical and holistic assessments of how Local Governments is being run and the impact and quality of projects they embark-on and to address deficits in transparency and public trust.
Meanwhile, some state governments have signalled support for improved community engagement. In Lagos State, authorities reiterated a commitment to enhancing community media platforms as vehicles for civic participation and accountability at the grassroots level.

The renewed spotlight on local government administration has reignited public debate over fiscal responsibility and priorities. Controversies such as the widely criticised Adamawa council chairmen’s wives trip to Istanbul — which drew public outrage for perceived misuse of public funds — underscore why watchdog groups say stronger oversight mechanisms are urgently needed at the grassroots.
Citizens and activists have welcomed the journalists’ initiative, calling for sustained media engagement that goes beyond headlines to influence policy and accountability reform.
The civic rights advocates note that real change will require robust legal frameworks, a free press, and empowered communities equipped to demand transparency at every level of governance.
As Journalists for Good Governance mobilises its members, the coming months are likely to see heightened media attention on grassroots administration — from council budgets and service delivery to the enforcement of public information laws and digital transparency initiatives.

Continue Reading

news

ANOTHER PROPHECY FULFILLMENT BY PROPHET KINGSLEY AITAFO OVER THE EXIT OF DR. KENOLY, ANNOUNCING FEBRUARY’S OPEN PROPHETIC REVIVAL

Published

on

ANOTHER PROPHECY FULFILLMENT BY PROPHET KINGSLEY AITAFO OVER THE EXIT OF DR. KENOLY, ANNOUNCING FEBRUARY’S OPEN PROPHETIC REVIVAL

ANOTHER PROPHECY FULFILLMENT BY PROPHET KINGSLEY AITAFO OVER THE EXIT OF DR. KENOLY, ANNOUNCING FEBRUARY’S OPEN PROPHETIC REVIVAL

 

– Another Prophecy Fulfillment by Prophet Kingsley Aitafo Following the Passing of Ron Kenoly Ahead of February Open Prophetic Revival

 

– Prophet Kingsley Aitafo Records Another Prophecy Fulfillment as February Open Prophetic Revival Is Announced

 

In the released prophecies for 2026, renowned Nigerian cleric, Prophet Kingsley Aitafo, shared a series of revelations touching on Nigeria’s economy, global events, political transitions, natural disasters, religious transformations, and the future of world leaders.

 

 

During a special prophetic session, the prophet stated that he foresaw the departure of two world-renowned musicians in 2026 and urged the Nigerian people and the global community to pray for them.

 

ANOTHER PROPHECY FULFILLMENT BY PROPHET KINGSLEY AITAFO OVER THE EXIT OF DR. KENOLY, ANNOUNCING FEBRUARY’S OPEN PROPHETIC REVIVAL

 

He urged Nigerians and everyone around the globe to pray for the musicians, among other prophecies, and already gave insight concerning them.

 

On February 3, 2026, American gospel singer, songwriter, and worship leader Ron Kenoly passed away at the age of 81. Widely known as the “Professor of Praise,” Kenoly was celebrated for anthems such as “Majesty” and “Lift Him Up,” which have significantly influenced modern congregational worship around the world.

 

 

He was recognized as a pioneer of the contemporary praise and worship movement, leading Scripture-based worship services that became widely adopted in churches across different nations and cultures.

 

The development has been described by followers of Prophet Kingsley Aitafo as a confirmation of the prophecy earlier declared in the year.

 

Meanwhile, Prophet Kingsley Aitafo, leader and shepherd in charge of Oneness in Christ, in conjunction with CCC Living Grace Tabernacle, invites everyone to its February Open Revival. It is a prophetic service determined to change lives through miracles, healings, signs, and wonders.

 

 

It is not an ordinary service; it is another time for a divine encounter where your faith is strengthened, prayers are answered, and breakthroughs and favour are about to rain. With its theme — Jesus Christ is the same forever — the revival is promised to release the power of Jesus Christ like never before. It is a period of shift and divine encounter.

 

This revival service is said to hold on the 25th of February, 2026, from 5pm – 8pm at 20, Showole Street, Ewupe, Singer Sango, Ogun State.

 

It is a season where God is ready to reveal Himself like never before. Members of the public are invited to attend.

Continue Reading

news

GEN CHRISTOPHER GWABIN MUSA SUPPORT INITIATIVE COMMENDS STATE-FEDERAL COLLABORATION IN ZAMFARA

Published

on

GEN CHRISTOPHER GWABIN MUSA SUPPORT INITIATIVE COMMENDS STATE-FEDERAL COLLABORATION IN ZAMFARA

 

The Gen Christopher Gwabin Musa Support Initiative (GCGMSI) has commended the Zamfara State Government for its decisive contribution to security operations through the donation of newly acquired armoured personnel carriers (APCs), surveillance drones, and other critical operational equipment to troops and security agencies in the state.

 

This commendation was contained in a statement signed by the Convener of the GCGMSI, Ibrahim Dahiru Danfulani, Sadaukin Garkuwan Keffi/Betara Biu, and made available to the press.

 

The equipment was formally commissioned on Wednesday, February 18, by the Grand Patron of the GCGMSI and Minister of Defence, General Christopher Gwabin Musa, OFR (rtd.), in a ceremony at the Government House, Gusau. The event was attended by senior military officers, heads of security agencies, and top officials of the Zamfara State Government.

 

The GCGMSI, in its statement, hailed the donation as a “transformative and timely intervention” that aligns perfectly with its core objective of advocating for and supporting tangible measures that enhance the operational capacity and welfare of Nigeria’s security forces. The Initiative praised Governor Dauda Lawal’s administration for moving beyond rhetoric to actionable, material support, describing the move as a “blueprint for state-level collaboration in national security.”

 

“The provision of these assets by the Zamfara State Government is a testament to visionary leadership and a profound commitment to the peace and stability of its people,” the GCGMSI statement read. “It represents the exact kind of synergistic partnership between state and federal authorities that the GCGMSI champions. This initiative will significantly close operational gaps, boost the confidence of our gallant troops, and send a strong message to criminal elements.”

 

Speaking at the commissioning, General Musa emphasized that sustained collaboration is indispensable in confronting the nation’s evolving security challenges. He specifically commended Governor Lawal for his proactive support.

 

“Governor Dauda Lawal has demonstrated exemplary leadership and an unwavering dedication to the security of Zamfara State,” the Defence Minister stated. “The provision of these armoured vehicles, surveillance drones, and other operational equipment will undoubtedly boost the morale and operational effectiveness of our troops and other security agencies on the ground. This is a commendable effort that should be emulated by others.”

 

The newly commissioned assets, which include multiple APCs and advanced surveillance drones, are expected to dramatically enhance the mobility, protection, intelligence-gathering, and rapid response capabilities of security forces, particularly in the state’s remote and difficult terrains where anti-banditry operations are ongoing.

 

In his remarks, Governor Lawal reiterated his administration’s steadfast commitment to being a reliable partner in the security architecture. He urged security agencies to deploy the new resources responsibly and effectively to safeguard lives and property.

 

The Federal Government, through the Ministry of Defence, reaffirmed its commitment to continuing and deepening such partnerships with state governments across the nation to strengthen coordination and resource allocation in the collective fight against insecurity.

 

The GCGMSI concluded its statement by urging other state governments to take a cue from Zamfara’s “bold and pragmatic” approach, affirming that such concrete support is vital for achieving lasting peace and security across Nigeria.

Continue Reading

Cover Of The Week

Trending