By Kayode Ogunwale

Nigerian Exchange Limited (NGX) hosted members of the Board of Directors and Executive Management of Seplat Energy Plc to a Closing Gong Ceremony to honour the immediate former Chairman, Dr. Ambrosie Bryant Chukwueloka (A.B.C.) Orjiako, and introduce the newly appointed Chairman, Mr. Basil Omiyi, to the market community.

Speaking at the event, Mr. A.B. Mahmoud, SAN, OON, Chairman, NGX, ably represented by, Mr. Kamarudeen Oladosu, Director, NGX, congratulated the immediate former Chairman, Dr. A.B.C Orjiako, for his exemplary leadership and outstanding performance of Seplat Energy for well over a decade, during which the company was listed on both NGX and London Stock Exchange. “The notable acquisition of eight oil and gas assets, expansion of the Oben and development of the ANOH gas plants under his leadership positioned the company as the largest indigenous domestic supplier of gas”, he noted.

In response, the immediate former Chairman, Dr. Ambrosie Bryant Chukwueloka (A.B.C.) Orjiako, commended NGX for its high levels of corporate governance, which have been critical to the company’s growth. He said, “The high levels of corporate governance promoted by NGX for its listed companies was a key attribute that motivated Seplat Energy Plc to become part of the market. Since our acceptance into the market, Seplat Energy Plc has continued to deliver a corporate governance structure that is accountable and transparent to our investors, employees, government and all other relevant stakeholders. We are committed to sustaining these high levels of corporate governance through our collaboration with NGX as we implement market-leading measures towards ensuring Nigeria achieves a sustainable energy sector”.

Delivering his remarks, the recently appointed Chairman, Seplat Energy Plc, Mr. Basil Omiyi, said, “NGX has played an instrumental role in Seplat Energy Plc’s growth within the domestic and international markets. Our history with the Exchange dates back to 2014 when the shares of Seplat Energy Plc were listed in the market and over the years, Seplat has benefitted immensely from its collaboration with NGX. As we celebrate another milestone on the Trading Floor of the Exchange, we look forward to strengthening our partnership with NGX for the fulfillment of our joint goal of leveraging capital to empower sustainable initiatives that positively impact our investors, employees, and the environment.”

On his part, Temi Popoola, Chief Executive Officer, NGX, said, “The Exchange is better positioned to lead government advocacy efforts for listed companies, promote technology advancement and digital innovation for the capital market, and increase retail investor participation in the capital market aimed at building a market for the future and addressing the prevailing challenge of financial inclusion. We welcome Seplat Energy Plc to a renewed NGX and look forward to deepening our collaboration to develop and push for disruptive, out of the box ideas that could support Nigeria’s energy transition into a net-zero economy.”

Also present on the trading floor of NGX to sound the gong and bring the day’s trading to a close were Mr. Roger Brown, Chief Executive Officer, Seplat Energy Plc; Mr. Bello Rabiu, Independent Non-Executive Director, Seplat Energy Plc; Mr. Emeka Onwuka, Chief Financial Officer, Seplat Energy Plc; Dr. Chioma Nwachukwu, Director, External Affairs and Sustainability, Seplat Energy Plc; Mr. Effiong Okon, Operations Director, Seplat Energy Plc; Mr. Jude Chiemeka, Divisional Head Capital Markets Division, NGX; Mr. Femi Oyenuga, Divisional Head Digital Technology Services, NGX and Mrs. Irene Robinson-Ayanwale, Divisional Head Business Support Services Division, NGX.