E-Financial
Support for Private Equity Takes Centre Stage at 4th Annual CBO
Mr. Mustafa Chike-Obi, managing director and chief executive officer of Asset Management Corporation of Nigeria (AMCON), has re-emphasised the need to support private equity to create a more suitable environment for burgeoning business and organisations to thrive.
Chike-Obi, who was the keynote speaker made the remark at the recently concluded CBO Capital 4th Annual Investors Conference held in Lagos.
He said, “Nigeria can experience growth through massive investment from both within and outside the country if the Federal Government encourages this by providing guarantee schemes for private equity firms to invest.”
Speaking on the theme: “Can Private Equity Save Nigeria?”Mr. Bex Nwawudu, director, CBO Capital said, “With the forthcoming elections in 2015, it has become imperative to understand and promote a healthy discussion of equity investment issues, and how the industry through its provision of long term equity can work to effect positive changes in the economy of Nigeria.
“We’re in the 4th year of our Annual Investor Conference, and this year, because we realize first-hand, how important Private Equity is, we chose to focus the discussions around it, and highlight how it directly contributes to economic and commercial growth in Nigeria, and indeed, the rest of the African continent.”
Continuing further, he said: “At a time when global institutional investors are increasing their exposure to the African continent and specifically to Nigeria within Private Equity allocations, we have surprisingly little local content or government support for the local development of the asset class. With this event, we intend to create a platform that seeks to create dialogue, connect the dots and deliver local insight to the private equity discussion. “
The panel discussions highlighted many themes surrounding the importance of the relationship between fund managers, institutional investors (LPs) and regulators.
Key takeaways included whether the traditional PE fund model and investment structures were appropriate for Nigerian PE and if there were other models and innovations to consider; the importance of incorporating institutional Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) standards in investment processes; and how to develop the Nigerian PE landscape from a cottage industry to an institutional asset class with the support of the Pension Fund Administrators (“PFAs”) and the regulatory institutions
The afternoon keynote address was given by Ms. Eme Essien Lore, the newly appointed Country Manager of Nigeria, International Finance Corporation (IFC).
Ms Essien Lore reiterated IFC’s commitment to the region and highlighted about IFC’s recent increase in investment activity in Nigeria. She also shared her views on how the housing sector, power, and the emergence of the middle class are driving IFC’s strategic areas of focus.
Some of the other speakers who facilitated panel discussions and sessions at the conference include: Ms. Barbara James, Director, Henshaw Capital, Dr. Farouk Aminu; Head Research & Corporate Strategy, PENCOM, Mr. Raj Kulasingam; Senior Counsel at Dentons, Mrs. Ijeoma Agboti-Obatoyinbo, Director, The Abraaj Group, Mr. Ugo Ikemba; Commissioner, Securities and Exchange Commission Nigeria, and a host of others, representing leading PE, Investment and Fund Management firms.
In its 4th year, the CBO Capital Investors conference has a combined attendance of nearly 2000 delegates, with attendees drawn from the private equity, investment, banking, fund management and real estate sectors.
Sofri, Powered by Links Microfinance Bank plans a massive rollout of Point of Sale, PoS terminals for merchants and agency banking in the third quarter of this year.
This is coming against the backdrop of the banks revamp of its digital platforms to support better customer experience.
Paul Adebayo, managing director, Sofri, said the bank is technology and purpose-driven, with focus on financial inclusion and sustainability. As well with the determination of making banking simpler, inclusive, and impactful.
He said that the revamped mobile app features, faster onboarding, cleaner interface, real-time alerts, enhanced security and seamless loan applications.
“Our corporate internet banking Launched for SMEs and institutional clients features, secure payments, transfers, account management and enhances business banking experience.
“Laying the groundwork for greater reliability, product innovation and operational efficiency is our new core banking infrastructure. This change enables us to scale faster and serve customers better.
“Our Terminal Management System (TMS) improves the performance, uptime, and remote monitoring of our POS terminals. This ensures merchants and field agents enjoy better stability, quicker settlements, and stronger support,” he added.
On sustainability impact, Adebayo, added that Sofri is embedding ESG principles into its lending and operational models — from offering green financing options, to supporting waste-to-wealth entrepreneurs, and making inclusive finance part of Nigeria’s circular economy.
Sofri is a trademark of Links Microfinance Limited (Links Mfb). Links Mfb is licensed and regulated by Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and deposits insured by the Nigeria Deposit Insurance Corporation (NDIC). Links Mfb is a member of DLM Capital Group, owners of DLM Asset Management as regulated by the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC).
Current market research has confirmed that buyside investors are increasingly focused on high-growth sectors such as small businesses and consumer lending— sectors that fuel both the demand and supply sides of the economy.
However, capital allocation to these areas requires robust risk mitigation frameworks to preserve principal and ensure returns that are not just economically viable but outpace inflation.
Against the backdrop that DLM Capital Group has developed an innovative solution – the Sovereign Bond Backed Composite Notes (SBCNs) to meet this critical economy needs.
According to Sonnie Babatunde Ayere, the Group CEO of DLM Capital Group, “We believe that the consistent issuance of SBCNs by qualified entities will play a key role in de-risking corporate bond portfolios.
“By blending sovereign-backed security with enhanced yield exposure, portfolio managers gain a rare opportunity to simultaneously increase portfolio safety and performance”.
The first of its kind fixed income product combines the security of direct sovereign bond-backed principal protection, such as FGN Bonds, with the enhanced yield potential of corporate and consumer lending cash flows. This hybrid structure, the first of its kind in the local market, merges public-sector credit safety with private-sector income generation.
The instrument is designed as such that the private sector credit tranche will be secured by the FGN-bonds, which will be the senior tranche.
The N30 billion Sovereign Bond Backed Composite Notes issued by DLM Funding SPV Plc is being packaged as a AAA-rated note. With a held-to-maturity yield of 49.9 percent, the notes are designed to be attractive to institutional investors seeking a balance between capital preservation and superior returns.
Sonnie Babatunde Ayere, noted about the SBCN, “For asset managers, it enhances portfolio quality, improves credit profiles, supports diversification, and delivers competitive returns.
In a media parley describing the instrument, Ayere highlighted the role of the instrument in driving credit expansion to the underserved private sector. He highlighted how the note could help drive institutional capital into sectors that were previously considered too risky.
“By channeling domestic capital into these critical but underserved sectors without exposing investors to excessive risk, it becomes possible to mobilize funding for parts of the economy that have long been neglected.” He added.
E-Financial
Fidelity MD,Onyeali-Ikpe Champions Lifelong Learning and Sisterhood for Women’s Career Growth
Dr. Nneka Onyeali-Ikpe, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Fidelity Bank Plc, has encouraged women professionals to embrace continuous learning, courage, and collaboration as key habits for achieving long-term career success and breaking through professional barriers.
Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Fidelity Bank Plc, Dr. Nneka Onyeali-Ikpe, OON, (Middle) flanked by participants of a Women’s Roundtable themed, “Mentorship with Dr. Nneka Onyeali-Ikpe” hosted by the bank over the weekend at the Fidelity SME Hub, Gbagada, Lagos recently.
She gave the charge during a Women’s Roundtable hosted by the bank over the weekend at the Fidelity SME Hub in Gbagada, Lagos. Themed “Mentorship with Dr. Nneka Onyeali-Ikpe”, the event drew female professionals from various sectors and was held under the Recognition and Networking arm of the bank’s HerFidelity Proposition—a flagship initiative designed to empower women entrepreneurs and professionals across Nigeria.
Explaining the vision behind HerFidelity, Dr. Onyeali-Ikpe noted that the initiative was born out of a strong need to provide women with holistic support beyond access to finance.
“In my engagements with women across different industries, I’ve seen first-hand that while talent and ambition abound, many still lack access to capital, skills development, health support, and networks,” she said.
“HerFidelity was created to bridge that gap by focusing on four key pillars: access to capital, capacity building, wellness for work-life balance, and entrepreneurship support. It’s one of the initiatives I’m most proud of, because when women thrive, communities prosper and economies flourish.”
The interactive mentorship session, held in a Q&A format, offered participants an opportunity to learn directly from the trailblazing CEO, who shared personal experiences and career insights.
Advising young women aspiring to leadership, she said: “Believe in yourself, be ready to work hard, and never shy away from taking smart risks. Seek out mentors, invest in meaningful relationships, and above all, collaborate—because no one truly succeeds alone.”
The event also featured fun competitions and giveaways, with attendees winning exciting gifts courtesy of Fidelity Bank.
Dr. Onyeali-Ikpe’s session left participants inspired, reinforcing Fidelity Bank’s position as a champion for gender empowerment and a leading supporter of women’s advancement in business and leadership.
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