By Aduragbemi Omiyale
The stock market in Nigeria stood still for the late former chairman of the Nigerian Exchange (NGX) Group Plc, Mr Abimbola Ogunbanjo, on Tuesday, February 27, 2024.
The day was set aside to pay homage to the enduring legacy of the esteemed luminary, who died in a helicopter crash in the United States a few weeks ago along with the group chief executive of Access Holdings, Mr Herbert Wigwe, his wife and son.
The NGX Group held an Afternoon of Tributes and Closing Gong Ceremony yesterday for him in collaboration with the Coronation Group.
In a poignant display of reverence and admiration, prominent figures from the Nigerian business landscape came together to pay tribute to the deceased.
Among the distinguished speakers who graced the occasion were Dr Oba Otudeko, the Chairman of Honeywell Group and Past President of the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE); Mr Aigboje Aig-Imuokhuede, Chairman of Coronation Group; Mr Umaru Kwairanga, the Chairman of the Nigerian Exchange Group; and Mr Temi Popoola, the group CEO of NGX Group, among others.
In his opening remarks, Mr encapsulated the essence of Mr Ogunbanjo’s profound impact, emphasising his pivotal role in steering the successful completion of the demutualisation process within the group.
He hailed Mr Ogunbanjo as not merely a leader, but a beacon of light and a guiding force within the community, underscoring his instrumental contribution to reshaping the Group’s trajectory in the West African sub-region.
On his part, Mr Aig-Imuokhuede reflected on the unparalleled commitment demonstrated by Mr Ogunbanjo throughout the demutualization process, extolling his remarkable service to the industry.
“You served the world in a way only few could do,” Mr Aig-Imuokhuede remarked, paying homage to the deceased’s indelible legacy and wishing him eternal peace.
Mr Popoola, while paying his tributes, echoed the sentiments of admiration and gratitude, highlighting Mr Ogunbanjo’s unwavering dedication to the exchange’s success and seamless leadership transitions.
Mr Otudeko shared poignant recollections of Mr Ogunbanjo, portraying him as an adroit gentleman whose simplicity, brilliance, and doggedness were instrumental during the demutualization process.
Reflecting on Mr Ogunbanjo’s legacy, the Chairman of NGX Limited, Mr Abubakar Mahmoud, lauded his patriotism and commitment to national development, while the President and Chairman of Council at the Chartered Institute of Stockbrokers, Mr Olusola Adeosun, expressed deep sorrow at the loss, emphasising Mr Ogunbanjo’s magnetic personality and profound impact on the institute.
The Chairman of the Association of Securities Dealers, Mr Sam Onukwue, hailed Mr Ogunbanjo’s transformative leadership and global perspective, crediting his strong legal acumen and industry experience in navigating the exchange’s restructuring.
Echoing sentiments of admiration, the CEO of Beta Glass Plc, Mr Darren Bennett-Voci, paid tribute to Mr Ogunbanjo’s leadership and professionalism, crediting his strategic guidance during challenging times.
On her part, the former Chairperson of NGX Real Estate, Mrs Angela Adebayo, fondly recalled Mr Ogunbanjo’s unwavering commitment to Nigeria’s progress, portraying him as a patriot who left an indelible mark on the industry.
Adedapo Adesanya 
Modupe Gbadeyanka