Africa’s richest man Aliko Dangote, BUA Group chairman Abdul Samad Rabiu, founder of Zenith Bank Jim Ovia and governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria Olayemi Cardoso on Friday paid tributes to the late corporate lawyer Chris Ogunbanjo in Lagos.
They all made glowing remarks about Ogunbanjo at an Afternoon of Tributes organised by the Nigerian Exchange Group and the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI).
Dangote described him as a champion of industrialisation in Nigeria. He said, “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.”
Rabiu said, “He was an astute businessman and a philanthropist. He gave back to society, that was very important to him.”
How legal icon Chris Ogunbanjo died two months before 100th birthday
Dangote, Otudeko visit late Chris Ogunbanjo’s family
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.
Cardoso 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.”
Also present at the event were Ogunbanjo’s godson and Group CEO of FCMB Group, Ladi Balogun; president of the LCCI, Michael Olawale-Cole and family members of the deceased.
Ogunbanjo, one of the founding fathers of the Nigerian Stock Exchange which is now Nigerian Exchange Group, died on October 7, 2023, aged 99.
