Business

Oando holds Annual General Meeting

Published

5 years ago

August 31, 2021

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… as shareholders applaud Wale Tinubu-led management

Oando plc on Tuesday, August 31, 2021, successfully concluded its long-awaited 42nd Annual General Meeting (AGM), which held at the Wings Office Complex, Victoria Island, Lagos.

The company’s AGM comes in the wake of an out-of-court settlement with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) who had earlier suspended the company’s AGM in 2019. And in line with COVID restrictions on large gatherings, shareholders were represented by proxies of their various associations at the AGM.

Leaders of the various shareholders and proxies, including Engr. Patrick Ajudua, Alhaji Kabiru Tambari and Boniface Okezie, were united in their support for the company and applauded the management team for resolving its dispute with the regulatory body, thereby enabling them gain oversight into the company’s activities.

They were unanimous in encouraging the management to keep up the good work and focus on creating value for shareholders.

In his address and response to shareholders’ observations and inquiries by those physically present and those who participated through live streaming, the Chief Executive, Jubril Adewale Tinubu, commented on the financials and quarterlies pending release and publishing since 2018.

He stated that the publishing of three quarterly results in 2019 was underway, but was eventually suspended due to the fact that under the SEC regulations, quarterlies cannot be published in the absence of an audited base.

He further assured that over the next six months, there would be rapid disclosure information, as the company would be rounding off with the audit and release of the financials from 2019 to 2020, after which the company will be prepared and ready to be compliant by June of 2022 to provide 2021 financials as at when due.

He stated that, upon the approval of “the 2019 financials, the quarterlies will be released immediately, the audits will be completed and the notice for the 2020 financials to be done will be published, so that the quarterlies for 2020 can be released.”

Other resolutions passed at the AGM include the re-election of directors, the election of members of the audit committee and the approval of non-executive directors’ remuneration.

Three (3) directors were re-elected by shareholders present and through proxy, including HRM Oba M.A. Gbadebo. The annual remuneration of the Chairman was fixed at N5 million, while for other non-executive directors, it was fixed at N4 million.

A resolution was also passed to give directors the mandate to authorize transactions with related parties and interested persons. In addition, Ernst and Young was re-appointed as auditors of the company.

In his own address at the AGM, Patrick Ajudua said: “I thank the management of Oando for remaining resilient during the trying period. They worked tirelessly to see us through these issues. It is in light of this that we, the shareholders, are delighted and supportive of the management.”

All resolutions passed at the AGM were approved, including the re-appointment of Ernst and Young as auditors, the Directors were authorized to fix the auditors remuneration; election of Dr. Ainojie Irune to the Board of Directors; re-election of HRM M.A. Gbadebo (CFR), Mr. Olufemi Adeyemo and Mr. Tanimu Yakubu as Directors; election of audit committee members, and approval of the remuneration of non-Executive Directors.

One topic that resonated with all shareholders at the meeting was the need for dividends in the near future. Speaking on this, Mr. Sunny Nwosu, an Oando shareholder, said: “The best thing that would happen to us following the resolution of the SEC dispute is to declare a dividend for shareholders. It will be in the interest of shareholders if this is brought up at the next AGM.”

In his response to shareholders’ comments, Adewale Tinubu, the GCE, Oando PLC, said; “Teamwork, Respect, Integrity, Passion and Professionalism are things (core values) we take seriously. Our ethos as a corporation has been driven by these values, and the company has evolved and succeeded year after year. The ultimate test of our capacity to be sustainable is having challenges.

“We’re ready to face them and deal with them when they come; ready to ensure that we apply these same principles and maxims in dispute resolution. We appreciate everyone who played an active role in enabling us to reach a resolution with the SEC.”

He assured the shareholders of management’s commitment towards creating value for and protecting the interest of all shareholders.

Business

Nigeria’s foreign reserves rise to $52.66 billion, highest in 17 years

Published

4 weeks ago

August 24, 2026

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Nigeria’s gross external reserves surged to $52.66 billion as of August 19, reaching their highest level in more than 17 years.

This was contained in the latest data from the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN).

The reserves stood at $52.65 billion on August 19, up from $45.56 billion recorded on January 2, representing an increase of about $7.09 billion or 15.6 percent in less than eight months.

The latest position also surpasses the previous 2026 peak of about $52.04 billion recorded in July.

Data from the CBN showed that reserves crossed the $52 billion mark for the first time this year in July, reaching $52.02 billion on July 20.

The figure was the highest since January 2009, when reserves stood at about $52.01 billion.

The reserve position had declined earlier in the year, falling from $49.18 billion on April 1 to about $48.33 billion in early May.

It subsequently recovered, crossing the $50 billion mark in June and rising above $51 billion before surpassing $52 billion in July.

The governor of the CBN, Olayemi Cardoso, had earlier attributed the increase in reserves to stronger foreign exchange inflows, including receipts from crude-oil-related taxes and third-party inflows.

Cardoso also said the reserve level provided import cover for about 11 months of goods and services, significantly above the three-month international benchmark.

The increase in the external buffer has coincided with improved foreign exchange liquidity and a stronger naira.

Recent market data showed the naira appreciating to about N1,346.49 per dollar in the official market last week.

Also, in its 2026 macroeconomic outlook, the apex bank projected that Nigeria’s external reserves would rise to about $51.04 billion by the end of the year.

The latest figure is about $1.62 billion above that projection.

Business

Wema Bank wins Euromoney’s Nigeria’s best digital bank for consumers 2026 award

Published

2 months ago

July 20, 2026

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… Recognition affirms bank’s leadership in digital innovation and customer-centric banking

Wema Bank, Nigeria’s oldest indigenous bank and pioneer of Africa’s first fully digital bank, ALAT, recently added another feather to its already heavily-studded cap after it was named Nigeria’s Best Digital Bank for Consumers 2026 by Euromoney, one of the world’s most respected authorities on financial services and banking excellence.

The prestigious recognition affirms the Bank’s sustained leadership in digital innovation, customer experience and financial inclusion, reinforcing its position as one of Nigeria’s leading technology-driven financial institutions.

Presented annually, the Euromoney Awards for Excellence celebrate banks that are redefining financial services through innovation, measurable impact and outstanding customer value.

In selecting Wema Bank for the award, Euromoney recognised the Bank’s successful digital transformation journey, its continuous innovation through ALAT, Africa’s first fully digital bank, and its unwavering commitment to delivering simpler, smarter and more accessible banking experiences for customers.

Commenting on the recognition, the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of Wema Bank, Moruf Oseni, said: “This award is a strong validation of the deliberate investments we have made over the years to build a truly digital bank that puts customers at the centre of everything we do. Innovation for us has never been about technology for its own sake. It has always been about creating solutions that make banking easier, faster, safer and more rewarding for every customer.

“From pioneering Africa’s first fully digital bank with ALAT to continuously evolving our digital capabilities, we have remained focused on anticipating customer needs and building experiences that create real value. We are honoured by this recognition from Euromoney and inspired to continue pushing the boundaries of innovation as we shape the future of banking in Nigeria.”

A key milestone in Wema Bank’s digital transformation has been the evolution and upgraded version of ALAT, which introduced next-generation capabilities including voice banking, tap-to-pay functionality, personalised financial services and integrated investment opportunities through strategic partnerships.

Together with faster digital onboarding, AI-powered fraud monitoring, intelligent customer personalisation and an expanding agency banking network, these innovations continue to enhance customer experience while extending financial services to more Nigerians.

Euromoney also recognised Wema Bank’s ability to leverage technology to build deeper customer relationships through data-driven personalisation, enabling customers to receive tailored recommendations across savings, investments and credit products based on their financial needs and behaviour.

For over eight decades, Wema Bank has remained at the forefront of innovation in Nigeria’s financial services industry. As the pioneer of Africa’s first fully digital bank, the Bank continues to redefine banking by combining technology, customer insight and innovation to deliver seamless, secure and inclusive financial solutions for individuals, businesses and communities.

The Euromoney recognition further reinforces Wema Bank’s commitment to building the future of banking through continuous innovation, operational excellence and customer-centric solutions that create lasting value.

Business

CBN revokes licences of 46 microfinance banks

Published

3 months ago

July 2, 2026

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The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has revoked the operating licences of 46 microfinance banks (MFBs).

The apex bank cited the failure of the banks to meet regulatory requirements for continued operation.

In a statement issued on Wednesday by Hakama Sidi-Ali, acting director of corporate communications, the apex bank said the revocation took effect from July 1, 2026, in line with Sections 12 and 13 of the Banks and Other Financial Institutions Act (BOFIA), 2020.

The CBN said the action was approved by Olayemi Cardoso, the apex bank governor, as part of efforts to safeguard the stability of the financial system, protect depositors and ensure compliance with regulatory standards.

“According to the revocation order, the action became necessary because of one or more of the circumstances: Insufficient assets to meet liabilities, closure of operations without the CBN approval, Inactivity and cessation of financial intermediation, failure to commence operations within 12 months of licence approval, and failure to maintain minimum capital funds unimpaired by losses,” CBN said.

“The revocation of the licences is part of the Bank’s ongoing efforts to safeguard the stability of the financial sector, protect depositors, and ensure that licensed institutions comply with current laws and regulatory requirements,” the statement reads.

CBN added that it remains committed to promoting a safe, sound and resilient financial system and would continue to take supervisory and regulatory actions where necessary to maintain public confidence in Nigeria’s financial sector.

The affected microfinance banks are:

1. Minji-Se Churchill MFB (tier 1) in Rivers

2. Merchant MFB (tier 2) in Abia

3. Janmaa MFB (tier 1) in Kwara

4. Busu MFB (tier 2) in Niger

5. Gold MFB (tier 1) in Lagos

6. Zain MFB, formerly Dawakin Tofa MFB, a tier 2 lender in Kano

7. Bompai MFB (tier 1) in Kano

8. Ajwa MFB (tier 2) in Kano

9. Now Now Digital MFB (tier 2) in Kano

10. Crystabel Microfinance Bank (tier 1) in Bayelsa

11. Chanelle MFB (state-based) in Lagos

12. Abia SME MFB (tier 1) in Abia

13. Kamba MFB (tier 2) in Kebbi

14. Iwade MFB (tier 2) in Ogun

15. Winview MFB (tier 1) in Abuja

16. Zuru MFB (tier 2) in Kebbi

17. Minjibir MFB (tier 1) in Kano

18. Shanono MFB (tier 2) in Kano

19. Sumaila MFB (tier 2) in Kano

20. Rimin Gado MFB (tier 2) in Kano

21. Mwaghavul MFB (state-based) in Plateau

22. Sycamore MFB (tier 2) Kano

23. TOFA MFB (tier 2) in Kano

24. Safegate MFB (tier 1) in Lagos

25. Creekline MFB (tier 2) in Delta

26. Bestar MFB (tier 1) in Oyo

27. Livingspring MFB (tier 1) in Cross River

28. Apple MFB (tier 2) in Ogun

29. Stanford MFB (state-based) in Uyo

30. Frontline MFB (tier 2) in Anambra

31. Zafec MFB (tier 2) in Kaduna

32. Supreme MFB (tier 1) in Lagos

33. Bejin-Doko MFB (tier 2) in Niger

34. Kanopoly MFB (tier 1) in Kano

35. Bellbank MFB, formerly Tsanyawa (Tier 2), in Kano

36. Yeneng MFB (tier 2) in Plateau

37. Creditville MFB (tier 1) in Lagos

38. MBAG MFB (tier 1) in Lagos

39. Straight Sahara MFB (tier 1) in Benue

40. Our Pass MFB (tier 2) in Ondo

41. VERDANT MFB (tier 1) in Lagos

42. Basawa MFB (tier 2) in Kaduna

43. Casha MFB (tier 2) in Abuja

44. Esteem MFB (tier 2) in Kano

45. Enterpreneur MFB (tier 1) in Lagos

46. Avantus MFB (tier 2) in Osun

It would be recalled that the CBN increased the capital base for banks, in March 2024, giving them until March 31, 2026, to meet the requirements.

On March 6, 2026, the financial regulator disclosed that 30 banks have met the minimum capital requirement.