Business
Stanbic IBTC Holdings Shareholders Excited By Dividend Payments
Stanbic IBTC Holdings Shareholders Excited By Dividend Payments
Stanbic IBTC Holdings PLC, a member of Standard Bank Group, on Thursday, 27 May 2021 held it’s 9th Annual General Meeting (AGM) to adopt the company’s audited financial statements for the 2020 financial year amongst other resolutions. The AGM held by proxy in line with the NCDC COVID-19 guidelines.
The highlight of the AGM was the declaration that a dividend of 360 kobo per ordinary share of 50 kobo be paid to shareholders as recommended by the Board of Directors. The shareholders were further allotted one bonus share for every six ordinary shares held by them.
Announcing the resolution, Mr. Chidi Okezie, Company Secretary and Head, Country Legal Services of Stanbic IBTC Holdings PLC said: “Pursuant to Section 430, sub-section 2 and 3 of the Companies and Allied Matters Act 2020, and following a recommendation by the Board of Directors of the company, the sum of N925,499,797.50 is set aside out of the company’s general reserves, be capitalized, and the same be applied in paying in full for 1,850,999,595 ordinary shares of 50 kobo each, in the capital of the company, and such ordinary shares are allotted and credited as fully paid up, and issued to shareholders who are on the register of members as at close of business on Thursday, 10 June 2021, in the proportion of one (1) new ordinary share for every six (6) existing ordinary shares held by them in the capital of the company as at close of business 10 June 2021. The shares so distributed will rank at the same rate with existing ordinary shares, subject to receipt of all required regulatory approvals.”
Mr. Tunde Bamidele, a shareholder, appreciated the Board and Management of Stanbic IBTC for the steadfastness, hard work, and dedication, which resulted in the N83 billion profit after tax for the 2020 financial year, and culminated in the 360 kobo dividend and allotment of bonus shares.
He said: “I would like to express my gratitude to the Board of Directors, Management and members of Staff of Stanbic IBTC for a job well done. Despite the COVID-19 pandemic, the company declared a dividend of 360 kobo which is very impressive compared to other players in the financial industry. I would also like to thank you for giving us a bonus share for every six shares held. Indeed, the bonus dividend is robust.”
Mr. Kunle Adedeji, Ms. Ngozi Edozien and Ms. Salamatu Suleiman were re-appointed as Directors, and Mrs. Sola David-Borha, immediate past Chief Executive, Africa Regions, Standard Bank Group, was appointed as a Non-Executive Director.
Other resolutions which were ratified at the 9th Annual General Meeting were the election of members of the Audit Committee, the fixing of Director’s Fees and the approval of new external auditors for Stanbic IBTC Holdings PLC.
At the AGM, KPMG Professional Services having served as the Group’s external auditors for the past ten (10) years formally retired as Auditors to the Group in accordance with section 5.2.12 of the Central Bank of Nigeria Code of Corporate Governance, which stipulates a maximum tenure of ten (10) years for external auditors. PricewaterhouseCoopers was thereafter appointed as the new external auditor for the Group.
Mr. Basil Omiyi, Chairman of the Stanbic IBTC Holdings PLC, commended the Group’s management on an impressive result despite operating in a tough environment. He said: “The Board is very happy with what the Management has been doing. We pass most of the commendation to our very efficient and able Management team who have delivered impressive results despite operating under difficult circumstances.”
Dr. Demola Sogunle, Chief Executive, Stanbic IBTC Holdings PLC, reiterated the Management’s commitment to sustaining the high standards that have earned the Group several commendations and awards, including the highest level of ratings by globally recognised rating agencies. He said: “We would continue to work very hard to sustain our high level of ratings by globally renowned rating agencies. We also pledge to continue adhering to regulatory guidelines, while also making improvements in the areas of performance, corporate governance, risk management, quality of workforce and succession planning.”
Business
Landmark Judgment: Federal High Court Dismisses ₦50bn Oil Spill Claim Against ExxonMobil
Landmark Judgment: Federal High Court Dismisses ₦50bn Oil Spill Claim Against ExxonMobil
The Federal High Court sitting in Uyo has dismissed a ₦50 billion lawsuit filed against ExxonMobil, sued as Mobil Producing Nigeria Unlimited, now Seplat Energy Producing, in a ruling analysts say could significantly reshape oil spill litigation and compensation claims in Nigeria’s petroleum sector.
Delivering judgment on April 29, 2026, Justice Onyetenu held that the suit instituted by the Ejige Ore Njenyisi Muma & Fishing Co-operative Society Ltd was incompetent and liable to dismissal for lack of jurisdiction.
The plaintiffs had sought ₦50 billion in damages over an alleged hydrocarbon spill said to have occurred on September 12, 2021.
However, counsel to the defendant, Chinonso Ekuma of KENNA LP, successfully argued that the claimants failed to disclose any legally recognisable violation attributable to the oil firm.
In its findings, the court held that the plaintiffs failed to establish any actionable wrongdoing against the defendant.
A key element in the court’s decision was the Joint Investigation Visit (JIV) Report tendered by the plaintiffs themselves, which showed that the alleged spill incident was confined within ExxonMobil’s operational facility and did not impact the members of the cooperative society or their sources of livelihood.
The court further ruled that claims arising from such incidents must be pursued strictly under the statutory compensation framework provided in Section 11(5) of the Oil Pipelines Act, rather than through common-law claims founded on negligence or nuisance.
Justice Onyetenu held that the plaintiffs’ attempt to circumvent the statutory regime by framing the suit as a tort action rendered the matter incompetent before the court, thereby depriving it of jurisdiction.
Legal analysts say the judgment reinforces the supremacy of the Oil Pipelines Act in determining compensation procedures relating to oil pipeline incidents and environmental claims in Nigeria.
The ruling is also seen as strengthening the evidential weight of Joint Investigation Visit Reports, particularly in cases where such reports indicate no direct impact on claimants or host communities.
Industry observers believe the judgment will have far-reaching implications for future oil spill litigation, especially regarding the procedural requirements for compensation claims against oil operators.
The court’s decision further provides clarity for operators within Nigeria’s energy sector by reaffirming that compliance with Section 11(5) of the Oil Pipelines Act is mandatory and cannot be sidestepped through alternative legal formulations.
While K.O. Uzuokwu appeared for the plaintiffs, the defence was led by Chinonso Ekuma of KENNA LP on behalf of ExxonMobil.
Bank
Union Bank Honoured by ASBON at Nigeria National SME Business Awards
Union Bank Honoured by ASBON at Nigeria National SME Business Awards
Lagos, Nigeria – Union Bank of Nigeria has reaffirmed its reputation as a strong supporter of Nigerian businesses, receiving the Best SME Growth Banking Initiatives Award for 2025 from the Association of Small Business Owners of Nigeria (ASBON) at the Nigeria National SME Business Awards, held recently in Lagos.
The award was presented to the Bank in recognition of its strategic leadership in advancing the growth and resilience of small and medium-sized enterprises, through a differentiated suite of solutions designed to enable business expansion and long-term value creation.
Receiving the award on behalf of the Bank, Ayokunnumi Abraham, Head of SME Segment at Union Bank, described the recognition as a strong endorsement of the Bank’s commitment to supporting small and medium-sized businesses. He said:
“We are honoured to receive this recognition, which reflects Union Bank’s continued commitment to helping SMEs grow by making banking simpler, faster, and more accessible. Through enhancements to our specialised platforms such as Union360, we have meaningfully reduced the time it takes for businesses to come on board and begin transacting. These improvements have shortened onboarding, increased digital adoption among our SME customers, and supported the acquisition of new business clients. Our focus remains on delivering practical solutions that help Nigerian businesses thrive.”
Organised by ASBON in partnership with the Lagos State Government through the Ministry of Commerce, Cooperatives, Trade and Investment, the event convened stakeholders from the public and private sectors to recognise individuals and organisations driving meaningful impact across Nigeria’s SME ecosystem.
Union Bank remains focused on deepening its support for SMEs through customer-led solutions and processes that strengthen business growth across the ecosystem.
Bank
Atlantian Crown Bank Rebrands as Arizona Global Bank LLC, Begins Licensing for Global Expansion
*Atlantian Crown Bank Rebrands as Arizona Global Bank LLC, Begins Licensing for Global Expansion*
_By AGP News
*UNITED KINGDOM OF ATLANTIS* — In a move signaling a push into international markets, the Royal Throne of the United Kingdom of Atlantis on Sunday announced the corporate transformation of Atlantian Crown Bank LLC into *Arizona Global Bank LLC*, as part of a wider restructuring to position the institution for global banking and financial innovation.
The announcement was made at a press conference in the UKA capital by *HRM Queen Amb. Cletus C. Leaticia*, Chief Executive Officer of the newly named bank. She told reporters the rebranding marks _“more than a name change”_ and reflects a strategic pivot toward digital finance, cross-border investment, and modern banking standards.
_“This transformation represents our commitment to innovation-driven banking and our vision to become a globally competitive financial institution,”_ Queen Leaticia said.
*Licensing Process Underway*
According to the Department of Financial Administration and Corporate Affairs, which issued the official communication, Arizona Global Bank LLC has formally begun the process of applying for a *Banking Operational Licence* under UKA’s financial regulatory framework.
Once licensed, the bank plans to operate as a modern financial enterprise focused on four pillars:
1. Innovation-driven banking and digital financial solutions
2. Corporate financing and structured investment services
3. International financial partnerships and cross-border trade facilitation
4. Financial inclusion initiatives
Bank officials stressed that the institution will _“maintain strict compliance with all banking regulations and supervisory standards”_ set by UKA financial authorities.
*Strategic Shift Amid Global Ambitions*
Management described the rebranding as part of a broader restructuring initiative to _“strengthen the bank’s international identity, expand its global financial footprint, and align operations with contemporary banking standards.”_
Representatives called the licensing and rebranding process a _“major milestone”_ aimed at supporting economic growth, international trade, and cross-border investment initiatives.
*No Disruption to Existing Commitments*
Addressing potential concerns from clients and partners, management reassured stakeholders that _“all existing institutional commitments, operational objectives, and long-term strategic plans remain fully intact throughout the transition process.”_
The Royal Throne indicated that further updates on the licence approval, commencement of operations, corporate partnerships, and investment programmes will be released through official UKA and Arizona Global Bank LLC channels.
_The Department of Financial Administration and Corporate Affairs, Royal Throne of United Kingdom of Atlantis, issued the official statement._
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