By Kehinde Ibrahim, Lagos

STAKEHOLDERS in the Nigerian capital market yesterday honoured the memory of the late founder of FCMB Group, Otunba Subomi Balogun.

The Nigerian Exchange (NGX), Chartered Institute of Stockbrokers (CIS) and other market stakeholders held a mock-trading session and closing gong ceremony in honour the foremost investment banker, generally regarded as the grandmaster of the Nigerian capital market.

Chief Executive Officer, Nigerian Exchange (NGX), Mr Temi Popoola, said late Balogun was a blessing to the capital market.

“We are here to pay tribute to somebody that without him, we really cannot talk about our markets and I am sure that there are many careers here that he helped shaped and mine is a good example.

“We can’t express our gratitude to him enough for what he did to help our industry expand. It is difficult to locate another family in Nigeria like the Subomis that can represent on the Exchange as they doing now. We are very grateful and we assure them that they can count on our support going forward as the family continues to drive their strategic goals,” Popoola said.

Chairman, NGX Group, Alhaji Umaru Kwairanga, noted that Subomi played a significant role in the development of investment banking in Nigeria and had laid the foundation for many of the nation’s first equity offerings while working at ICON Securities. “He leaves a significant legacy and a number of monuments that would serve as evidence of his greatness well into the future,* Kwairanga said.

Group Chief Executive Officer, NGX Group, Oscar Onyema said the market could take solace in the fact that Subomi led a great life and left a huge legacy that the capital market community will continue to talk about for years to come.

“Otunba ensured that he looked out for the best interests of the capital market, especially during his tenure on the Council of the Exchange years ago,” Onyema said.

President, Chartered Institute of Stockbrokers (CIS), Mr Oluwole Adeosun, said B“We are celebrating the life of a colossus, Otunba Subomi Balogun who was the pioneer first Vice President of our Institute. We commiserate with the family and will keep remembering his deeds in the capital market,” Adeosun said.

Mr Bolaji Balogun, Group CEO, Chapel Hill Denham during his remarks said, “That you still remember our father, who retired 20 years ago, speaks a lot about him and the caliber of outstanding people you are. He was very concerned about this market, the harmony of this nation, and the youth of Nigeria. I want to reassure each of you that the work we perform is essential to the growth of this nation.”

Commending the event, Group Chief Executive, FCMB Group Plc, Mr Ladi Balogun, said it was an encouragement for the family to keep Balogun legacy on.

“Whilst this has been a very emotional time for our family, the way our father has been honoured by the Exchange, CIS and the entire country is truly inspiring to us. It is motivating us to go further, do better and make sure that his legacy lives on. We will not be alone in doing that. We will make sure we uphold his value and seek ways together with the exchange to transform the market and the economy,” Ladi Balogun said.