The governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, Dr Olayemi Cardoso; Africa’s richest man, Aliko Dangote and other private sector players on Friday paid tribute to late prominent corporate lawyer, Christopher Ogunbanjo.
The tributes poured forth at an Afternoon of Tributes organised by the Nigerian Exchange Group and the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry in Lagos.
In his tribute, the apex bank governor eulogised the late Ogunbanjo not only for his strides in the corporate world but also his life as a father and grandfather.
He said, “Papa was a remarkable individual whose life and legacies transcend a myriad of fields. In particular, his contributions to the organised private sector in Nigeria was not only a life of achievements, it was also one that charted the way forward for multiple generations, inspiring them to elevate and aspire to be like him.
“Born in 1923, his life was an integral part of our nation’s economic evolution. I have absolutely no doubt that in all corners of this nation, there will be people and institutions grieving the passing of such a legal and corporate titan. Like most of his generation, his belief in Nigeria was unwavering. He was passionate about its potential, enthusiastic for the greatness and has innate confidence in the country’s future. He constantly stood for what he believed in which simply stated was a continual improvement in the social and economic welfare of all our people, irrespective of race, ethnicity, or religion. He brought a glad heart and unique sagacity to the task.
Recalling some of Ogunbanjo’s achievements, Cardoso said “I remember his advocacy for domiciliary accounts in Nigeria, which reflected his foresight and commitment to positioning Nigeria’s financial sector on the global stage. His role in the establishment of the Corporate Affairs Commission CAC and the setting up of the Center for Management Development in the 1980s arguably enhanced Nigeria’s business skills.
“Through his efforts, the foreign currency decree of 1985 was promulgated, laying the foundation for a more robust and internationally connected financial system. I recall quite vividly that Chief Ogunbanjo was part of a group of forward-looking businessmen who in the late 1960s championed local equity participation in foreign firms operating within Nigeria. His well thought-out recommendation, as the head of the 120 man Consultative Committee led to the creation of the CAC to oversee the formation and registration of companies in Nigeria. These highlights demonstrated his belief in Nigeria, his confidence in the potential of Nigerian entrepreneurs and his own wavering belief in the importance of fostering a conducive environment. For economic growth and development. In his lifetime, Papa was a determined achiever, who saw prospects in every position he found himself regardless of how lowly others might deem such positions.”
Paying tribute to the late lawyer was also Dangote, who described him as a champion of industrialisation in Nigeria and “That is the reason most of us are here today. I have worked with him closely. I and Abimbola (Ogunbanjo’s son) worked tiredlessly to ensure his vision for NGX is sustained. I completed my tenure as president and handed over to Aig (Imoukhuede) and he handed over to Abimbola. We are going to miss him.
In his comments, billionaire business, Abdul Samad Rabiu said, “He was an astute businessman and a philanthropist. He gave back to society, that was very important to him.”
Chairman of Enterprise NGR, Aigboje Aig-Imoukhuede and former President of the National Council, Nigerian Stock Exchange said it was a privilege to pay tribute to the man whose name and signature are on the founding inaugural memo and articles of the exchange.
Aig-Imoukhuede added, “He put food on the table for many stockbrokers, many bankers but most importantly, millions of investors who benefited from his work during the privatisation program. The privatisation program was very much pivotal alongside with the establishment of the exchange. He not only made those contributions, he went on to chair several companies, to be an active investor in several companies and therefore put his money where his mouth is.”
Representing the Chairman of the NGX Group, Dr Umaru Kwairanga was the NGX Group Chief Executive Officer, Oscar Onyema, who said, “As we reflect on his remarkable journey, we remember that he was a force behind the growth of many Nigerian companies. A true legal luminary, his influence reaches far beyond the boardroom. Let’s celebrate the countless lives he touched and the communities that flourished under him. Let us honour him with the committment to carry on the torch he has passed to us.”
The incoming president of LCCI, Gabriel Idahosa, in his welcome address said that the late Ogunbanjo embodied dedication and service to country.
Other dignitaries at the event include the chairman of Zenith Bank, Jim Ovia, Ogunbanjo’s godson and Group CEO of FCMB Group, Ladi Balogun, president of the LCCI, Dr Michael Olawale-Cole as well as family members of the deceased.
Ogunbanjo died on October 7, 2023, aged 99.
He was one of the founding fathers of the Nigerian Stock Exchange which is now Nigerian Exchange Group.
