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All Posts in "Day: October 6, 2025"

Sterling Holdco’s Public Offer Gains Momentum… …as New Investors Rally

Investors scramble for Sterling Holdco shares as offer gains momentumWinifred Bosa
Sterling Financial Holdings Company Plc. (‘Sterling Holdco’),
the parent company of The Alternative Bank, Sterling Bank, SterlingFI, and a
number of other novel business solutions, has witnessed a very positive response
to its public offer, as investors rally for a stake in the company’s future.
The public offer, launched on September 17, 2025, has quickly become one of the
most talked-about opportunities in the Nigerian financial market, with analysts
predicting that the offer will prove to be amongst the most lucrative in the
sector’s investment landscape.
The Sterling Public Offer has sparked widespread interest, with market experts
noting that the price, which is about 6% below its current trading price, presents
an attractive entry point for both institutional and retail investors. The offer is set
to close soon, but the rapid pace of interest has led many to speculate that
the full subscription has already been reached or even exceeded much earlier
than expected.
According to leading financial analysts, Sterling Holdco’s strategic expansion
plans, solid market position, and innovative financial products have positioned
it as a major contender in Nigeria’s banking sector.
The public offer is widely
regarded as an exciting proposition for investors looking to capitalise on a company with strong fundamentals and an ambitious growth trajectory.
With a price point set at a discount to current trading prices, the offer is seen as a compelling opportunity for both long-term and short-term investors.
Sterling Holdco has consistently demonstrated a commitment to innovation
and sustainable growth.
One of the most compelling indicators of the company’s underlying strength is the impressive growth of its share price. In the
past year, the Holding company’s share price has grown steadily from ₦4.00 to
nearly ₦8.00 per share.
This increase in the company’s stock price speaks volumes about the underlying value and confidence in its business model,
leadership, and growth trajectory.
Sterling Holdco, known for its strategic ownership of two banks, a wealth
management company, and a number of innovative consumer businesses, is
seeking to raise additional capital through the issuance of 12.58 billion ordinary
shares at ₦7.00 per share.
The proceeds from the public offer will be
strategically deployed to further strengthen the Holdco’s capital base and fund its growth initiatives over the next 36 months.
About Sterling Financial Holdings Company Plc.
Sterling Financial Holdings Company PLC (Sterling HoldCo) is a leading Nigerian financial services group committed to enriching lives through innovation and impact with a
diversified portfolio that includes Sterling Bank Limited, The Alternative Bank Limited,
SterlingFI Wealth Management among others.
As a HoldCo, Sterling provides strategic direction, governance, and resources across its subsidiaries, enabling each to focus on its core mandate while benefiting from group-wide expertise, technology, and oversight.
With a heritage of trust built over six decades, Sterling HoldCo is committed to financial innovation, advancing inclusion, and shaping sustainable growth in Nigeria’s economy.
The group champions customer-focused solutions and socially responsible initiatives while creating value for shareholders, employees, and the communities it serves, and continues to pioneer offerings across its core businesses in banking, payments, and technologydriven financial services.
Online Poster by — October 6, 2025 in Capital Market
Seplat Energy Ties Africa’s Prosperity To Domestic Gas Development

 

Seplat Energy Plc, leading Nigerian independent energy company, says that domestic gas remains the engine of prosperity for Nigeria and Africa in general – from powering homes, to fuelling industry and providing a cleaner alternative for cooking and transportation. This informed the company’s heavy investment in gas processing capacity devoted to the domestic market, including the ANOH gas plant which is expected to come on stream before the end of the year.

 

The Director, New Energy at Seplat, Mr. Okechukwu Mba, said this at the 2025 Africa Energy Week (AEW) held in Cape Town, South Africa. Mba, who spoke during a panel discussion titled “Beyond Exports: Developing Commercially Viable Domestic Gas Markets”, said stakeholders need to ensure that the challenges in the gas to power value chain from molecules at the wellhead to electrons in homes are addressed for Nigeria to realize the goal of increased power supply to Nigerians. He also emphasized the importance of a commercially viable power sector which is critical to achieving growth in the domestic gas market. 

 

He said: “Bankable anchor customers are needed to underpin the development of new gas projects whilst identifying infrastructural challenges in power transmission and distribution as well as the liquidity crises in the power sector as two areas that require urgent attention in order to unlock new gas projects.   Mba highlighted that Seplat Energy currently supplies gas to five (5) power stations in Nigeria which underscores its commitment to the power sector, noting that gas is well positioned to provide reliable and affordable base load energy to drive to economic growth.

 

According to Mba, Seplat Energy adopts a comprehensive approach to growing the domestic gas market.  “Beside investments in pipeline gas projects, Seplat is also investing in Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) and Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) facilities,” he added.

 

In addition to the significant volumes of butane now supplied to the domestic market from its NGL plant in Bonny River Terminal, Seplat Energy also intends to commence delivery of LPG from its Sapele and ANOH gas plants before the end of the year. This, Mba said, will make Seplat Energy one of the leading suppliers of LPG, displacing biomass and providing a cleaner cooking fuel that will improve the health and living conditions of Nigerians.   He added that Seplat Energy’s investment into CNG was to make gas available to customers not currently connected to the domestic gas pipeline network.

 

The New Energy boss at Seplat stated that the company plans to take its operated gas production to over 1 Bcf/d by 2030, while noting that the recent incentives granted by government to the gas sector will aid the achievement of this goal. 

 

In a related development, the Director External Affairs & Social Performance, Seplat Energy, Chioma Afe, who featured in a panel discussed dubbed “Bureaucracy or Bridge? Tailoring Global ESG Approaches for African Realities”, said in all the company’s moves in driving to drive access to reliable and affordable energy for Nigerians, ESG fundamentals are strongly upheld and practicalised.  

 

According to her, the peculiarities of the Nigerian people and Africa at large remain very germane in implementing Seplat Energy’s ESG framework and affirming its commitments.

 

She said: “For a truly successful and impactful ESG implementation, it is highly imperative to move from a “one size fits all” mindset, to a co-created framework and implementation that is focused on value creation and empowers African nations to define their own sustainable growth plan. One that ensures ESG principles become a bridge across industries and countries driving growth and not a bureaucratic exercise.” 

 

“Adapting ESG to local needs is key. Therefore, we should explore customizing global ESG frameworks to address the unique socio-economic conditions, developmental challenges, including infrastructure, education and healthcare, as well as vulnerabilities to climate change and economic empowerment, across the continent.”

 

Speaking to the company’s model, she noted that: “At Seplat Energy, our approach has been a regular and systematic process of identifying and analyzing the development ‘gaps’ in our areas of operation and partnering with our communities to define project goals, prioritize resources and develop effective strategies to achieve them.”

Online Poster by — October 6, 2025 in Energy
SEC Committed To promoting Transparency, Investor Trust, Fair Value Reporting – Agama

SEC Committed To Promoting Transparency, Fair Value Reporting – Agama - TheFact Daily


> The Director General of the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), Dr. Emomotimi Agama, has stressed the Commission’s commitment to promoting transparency, investor confidence, and adherence to international best practices in financial reporting.
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> Agama emphasized that the transition to market valuation is crucial for ensuring that asset values accurately reflect real-time market conditions, thereby strengthening fair value reporting and investor trust.
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> Speaking in an interview weekend, Dr. Agama outlined key modalities guiding Nigeria’s transition to the market-to-market (MTM) valuation of assets in the fixed income space of the capital market adding that the policy was a result of engagements with market participants.
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>  “Timelines have been carefully considered, you know, especially with the concerns being raised by market participants. For us at the SEC, it is important that while we try to introduce new rules and regulations, we also listen to the market and say, okay, how do we meet, how do we meet at the junction where we can all agree to move forward?
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> He noted that the October 2, 2025, deadline for the submission of implementation plans would enable the Commission to assess each institution’s preparedness and capacity, while the September 2027 deadline remains the target for full transition to IFRS 9.
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> “Requesting for implementation plans is not a bureaucratic exercise—it’s to gauge capacity, identify challenges, and meet operators at the point where we can all achieve compliance with one purpose and one goal,” Agama said.
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> “Equity funds are already reported at fair value. The aspect of the Fund Management that was not aligned with international best practice was in the Fixed Income Funds space and that is what this policy alignment covers.
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> “Nigeria has come of age, and we must be seen to be doing things according to global standards. IFRS 9 requires market-to-market valuation of assets, and we cannot be left behind among the committee of nations. ”
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> He added that the reform would ensure that Nigerian assets are comparable globally, allowing investors to assess market performance more accurately.
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> “Our goal is to create a market that is internationally competitive,” he stated, adding, “Adopting IFRS 9 enables ease and compatibility among assets from different nations, clearly positioning Nigeria within the global market space.”
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> Responding to criticisms that the shift to market valuation could expose investors to short-term volatility, Dr. Agama said the move is intended to strengthen, not destabilize, the market.
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> “Some have expressed concerns about volatility, but our intention is not to disadvantage Nigerian investors,” he clarified. “It is to expose them to global standards and transparency. Over time, as the market adjusts, these concerns will ease off and everyone will benefit from a more transparent and credible system.”
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> Beyond IFRS 9, the SEC is also leading Africa in adopting the International Sustainability Standards Board (ISSB) framework. Dr. Agama revealed that Nigeria was among the first countries to accept and begin implementing the ISSB standards, emphasizing their importance for climate and sustainability disclosures.
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> “We pride ourselves as performers—first among nations to accept and adopt the ISSB standards. But we are not oblivious of our contextual issues. We are taking a gradual approach so that our companies are not unduly burdened.”
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> He added that the Commission’s objective is to implement standards that attract rather than restrict capital.
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> “We will not implement standards that will shut companies out of capital. Instead, we are implementing those that will help bring in capital and promote sustainable growth,” he affirmed.
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> Looking ahead, Dr. Agama expressed optimism about the Nigerian capital market’s performance in the final quarter of the year, citing the government’s macroeconomic reforms and the enactment of key laws such as the NIIRA 2025 and ISA 2025 as catalysts for stability and investor confidence.
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> He noted that “markets do not operate in a vacuum, they thrive on stability. With the micro- and macro-economic stability being championed by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the market is positioned for significant growth. The NIIRA 2025 is a game changer that provides the framework for sustainable expansion.”
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> The SEC Boss concluded that the SEC’s ongoing reforms, particularly the IFRS 9 transition and the adoption of sustainability standards, are part of a broader agenda to globalize Nigeria’s capital market, enhance transparency, and ensure wealth redistribution through a more resilient financial system.
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> “We are on a path of progress and growth. The President’s reform agenda is already taking shape, ensuring that Nigeria’s capital market becomes a global reference point for transparency, regulation, and investor confidence.”



Online Poster by — October 6, 2025 in Capital Market
SON To Hold 2025 World Standard Day to support Sustainable Development Goals

...Walk for Standards holds October 11th

By Fidelia Okafor 

The Standards Organisation of Nigeria, SON, would join the rest of the world to celebrate the 2025 World Standards day with a focus on the Sustainable Development Goals,SDG.

Announcing SON’s participation in a statement, the organisation’s Director, Corporate Affairs –Mrs Talatu Ethan –stated that the event would be commemorated as usual with a “Walk For Standards” on Saturday, 11th October.

The day is celebrated globally to commemorate the collaborative efforts of thousands of experts worldwide who developed voluntary technical agreements known as international standards.

Last year’s edition was a huge success with the day used to draw necessary attention to Artificial Intelligence.

The Worlds Standards Day has therefore become a veritable platform which stakeholders in different sectors of the economy look forward to for enlightenment, not only on updates on standardization issues, but also on key global issues that are impacting businesses and living.

Giving details of the event, Ethan stated; “The Theme of the 2025 Worlds Standards Day is: Shared Vision For a Better World: Spotlight on SDG 17: Partnership For the Goals. The great occasion will be marked with a “Walk For Standards” to raise awareness on the critical role of Standards in everyday life and in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals.

“This will be on Saturday, 11th October, 2025, at 8.00am and participants would converge at SON’s Ogba office, from where we will be walking through Adeniyi Jones to Aromire street and then to Allen Avenue Junction, and from there to Ikeja bridge by Awolowo House Roundabout, to the popular Computer village, to Oba Akran avenue, back to SON’s Ogba office.”

The Director said the Director General of SON –Dr Ifeanyi Chukwunonso Okeke – would be delighted to have as many Nigerians as possible, plus foreigners living in the country, to participate in the programme.

“Indeed, everyone is invited. Participation is free and we will be pleased to have people trooping in for the walk as a demonstration of their commitment to Standards and Sustainability, just as the event can be maximized for exercise, networking and possible business opportunities”, Ethan also stated.

Online Poster by — October 6, 2025 in Health
Renowned Broadcaster Osokpo Wins  Lifetime Media Award for her Outstanding Contributions 

A highly revered Lagos-based On Air Personality, Vera Osokpo has received a Lifetime Achievement Award in recognition of her outstanding contributions to the media industry, including her unwavering commitment to promoting free speech, balanced reporting, and developmental journalism.
According to the organizers, the award presentation, which was part of Isoko Mirror Newspaper’s 20th-anniversary celebrations, was held at Maṇo Hotel (Yaga) Oleh, Isoko South, in Delta State. Osokpo was also recognized for her selflessness and unwavering commitment to credible journalistic ideals.
Presently, Osokpo works as a prominent anchor on the Lagos-based MITV breakfast show, where she has carved a niche for herself in print, electronic, and online journalism, consistently demonstrating excellence and versatility.
In her acceptance speech, Osokpo described the award as a motivator to redouble her efforts and a challenge to make a greater impact on society through her work, while expressing appreciation to the organisers.
The awardee emphasized that journalism is a social responsibility that demands integrity and forthright disposition from its practitioners. “This honour serves as a challenge for me to improve my service to society. It came as a surprise. My aim was to continually improve myself, unaware that my actions were being monitored and recognised.
I am truly humbled by this honour,” she remarked. Other notable award winners included Hon. Godwin Ogorugba, Executive Chairman of Isoko North Local Government, who received the Lifetime Achievement Award for his outstanding contributions to leadership and community development. DCP Joseph Alukoghene Esegine, Esq., was recognised for his significant contributions to nation-building, courtesy of Dr. Fedida Osede Essi, Publisher and Editor-in-Chief
Online Poster by — October 6, 2025 in News