“The Nigerian capital market has the potential for the kind of capital formation required to drive an economy the size of Nigeria’s and trigger the much desired inclusive growth.” This is the position of Dr. Abiodun Adedipe, an economist and financial analyst. He advised the government of President Muhammadu Buhari to pursue policies that would attract investors to Nigeria.
“The change in government leadership is an opportunity to rethink, re-imagine and begin to rebuild our institutions. Governance is a serious business and should be treated as such by the President’s team as well as the legislature and judiciary. The more transparent, accountable and equitable a system is, the more confidence it inspires in the current players and the more attractive it makes the market become to prospective investors,” Adedipe said.
Adedipe made these statements at a press conference to herald the celebration of the 20th anniversary of the PEARL Awards in Lagos.
Speaking on the awards, the President/Chief Executive, PEARL Awards, Mr. Tayo Orekoya, said it is the only award in this part of the world that identifies and rewards performance, earnings returns and leadership by companies quoted on the stock exchange using empirical and clearly defined criteria and methodology.
“The awards process is based on verifiable facts and figures assessed utilizing credible and acceptable parameters and tools of data evaluation. This is the uniqueness of the awards, which was instituted in 1995 and endorsed by the apex capital market regulatory authority (Securities & Exchange Commission) in 2003. This year therefore marks 20 years of meritorious service to the capital market, the national economy and indeed to our father land,” Orekoya said.
According to him, the PEARL Awards remain committed to objectivity, fairness and absolute neutrality in rewarding outstanding quoted companies based on actual performance as reflected in their audited annual reports and other relevant documents sourced from the NSE.”
He said beyond the experience of previous editions, this year’s 20th Anniversary is being packaged to stand out with unusual and exciting side attractions.
“Not excluding the usual red carpet reception, high class executive networking opportunities, memorable entertainment classics that would linger on for a long time in the minds of our esteemed guests among others,” he said.
By Dike Onwuamaeze
[divider]