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Stakeholders unveil strategies to deepen Nigeria’s debt market

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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.

 

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Olukare of Ikare, Oba Akadri Momoh, and Council Endorse Balogun ATM for Senate 2027

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His Royal Majesty, Oba Akadri Momoh, The Olukare of Ikare Land, alongside his Oba-in-Council of chiefs and elders, has endorsed Chief Abdul Tunji Mohammed (ATM), the Balogun of Ikare, for the Ondo North Senatorial seat in 2027.

The endorsement was announced on Monday at the Olukare’s Palace during Chief ATM’s courtesy visit. Oba Akadri Momoh described ATM as “a true son of Ikare” with the character and competence to represent Ondo North. “He respects tradition and has never turned his back on our people. He has our royal blessing,” the Olukare said.

Chiefs present echoed the monarch, citing ATM’s consistent support for education, healthcare, and empowerment in Akoko land as proof of his readiness.

Chief ATM thanked the Olukare and Council for the “sacred mandate,” pledging to make the welfare of Ikare and Ondo North his priority in the Senate. “In Abuja, the voice of Ikare will be loud, clear, and respected,” he said.

*Signed:*
ATM Campaign Media Team

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Ondo North Youth Alliance (ONYA) Endorses Chief Abdul Tunji Mohammed (ATM) for Senate, Cites Youth Capacity to Lead

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The Ondo North Youth Alliance (ONYA), under the leadership of its President, Comrade Ojo Bright Eniafe, has formally endorsed Chief Abdul Tunji Mohammed (ATM) as its consensus candidate for the Ondo North Senatorial District in the 2027 elections.

The endorsement was announced at the Alliance’s expanded executive meeting held in Ikare-Akoko, with youth leaders drawn from all six Local Government Areas of Ondo North in attendance.

Speaking at the event, Comrade Ojo Bright Eniafe declared that the decision was driven by ATM’s clear vision for youth empowerment and economic transformation. “Chief Abdul Tunji Mohammed is not just another politician. He understands that the youth are not leaders of tomorrow – we are leaders today. He has the capacity, the network, and the will to convert our energy into productivity,” Eniafe said.

*Youth Capacity to Lead, Not Just to Clap*

ONYA praised ATM’s blueprint for tackling youth unemployment and rural-urban migration. Central to his agenda is the establishment of *skill acquisition and ICT training centers* across Akoko land, Owo and Ose to equip young people with 21st-century skills in tech, agriculture, fashion, welding, and digital enterprise.

The Alliance also highlighted ATM’s plan to *attract and facilitate factories and agro-processing zones* in Ondo North. “For too long, our brothers from the North have moved to Lagos and other states in search of jobs that don’t exist. With factories here, we keep our youth here. We build our economy here,” Comrade Eniafe stated. “ATM’s background in Finance, Real Estate, and Infrastructure Development gives us confidence that this is not empty talk.”

ONYA further noted that ATM’s track record of quietly supporting student groups, artisans, and young entrepreneurs proves he is youth-friendly and results-oriented. “He doesn’t wait for elections to show up. He has been doing the work,” the President added.

In his response, Chief ATM expressed deep appreciation to ONYA, describing the endorsement as “a call to greater service.” He pledged to sponsor bills and attract federal interventions that will prioritize youth employment, technical education, and industrial growth. “We will build the training centers. We will bring the factories. We will stop the forced migration of our youth. Ondo North will work, and our young people will lead that transformation,” ATM assured.

The Ondo North Youth Alliance called on all youth groups, student unions, and first-time voters across the senatorial district to unite behind ATM, describing him as “the candidate with the brain, the heart, and the blueprint for the youth.”

*Signed:*
Comrade Ojo Bright Eniafe
President, Ondo North Youth Alliance (ONYA)

*For ATM Campaign:*
[08038554184]

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Former Ondo Deputy Governor Ali Olanusi Endorses Chief Abdul Tunji Mohammed (ATM) for Ondo North Senate

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*Akure, Ondo State* — In a major boost to his senatorial ambition, Chief Abdul Tunji Mohammed, popularly known as ATM, has received the endorsement of His Excellency, Alhaji Ali Olanusi, former Deputy Governor of Ondo State.

The elder statesman formally adopted ATM’s bid to represent Ondo North Senatorial District during a courtesy visit to his Akure residence last week. The meeting, described by attendees as “warm and strategic,” saw Olanusi throw his political weight behind ATM ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Alhaji Olanusi is a towering figure in Ondo politics and a respected APC chieftain from Akoko, Ondo North. His political résumé spans decades: former Member of the House of Representatives, former State Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), and former member of the All Progressives Congress (APC) Board of Trustees. His voice carries weight across party lines and within grassroots structures in Ondo North.

Speaking during the visit, Olanusi commended ATM’s character, capacity, and commitment to the people. He also paid glowing tribute to the legacy of ATM’s late father, Alhaji Kunle Abdul, whose philanthropy and community development efforts remain reference points in Akoko land and Ondo State.

“The good work of your late father is still speaking well for you,” Olanusi said. “You have shown the same heart for service. Ondo North needs a Senator who understands the people and has the competence to deliver. I believe you are that person.”

Responding, Chief Abdul Tunji Mohammed expressed gratitude for the endorsement, describing Olanusi as “a father, a leader, and a compass for many of us in Ondo politics.”

“This endorsement is humbling. It strengthens our resolve to offer Ondo North a new model of representation — one that is accessible, developmental, and people-driven,” ATM said. “We will not betray this trust.”

Political observers say Olanusi’s endorsement is significant. As a bridge between the old guard and the new generation, his backing is expected to galvanize support across Akoko, Owo, and Ose — the key blocs in Ondo North.

With endorsements now coming from traditional leaders, youth groups, and elder statesmen, ATM’s senatorial ambition continues to gather momentum as the 2027 political calendar draws closer.

Signed
ATM Media Team

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