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Customer Service Week: SEC DG Emphasizes Technology As Key To Building Investor Trust

CSW: SEC DG emphasizes technology as key to building investor trust |  Western Post
Amaka Obiefuna

The Director General of the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), Dr. Emomotimi Agama, has reaffirmed the Commission’s commitment to leveraging technology to strengthen investor confidence and transform Nigeria’s capital market into a globally competitive environment.

 Speaking at the 2025 Customer Service Week celebration in Abuja with the theme “Building the Market of the Future, One Interaction at a Time,” Dr. Agama said the SEC is embracing digital innovation as a core part of its service strategy to enhance transparency, efficiency, and accessibility across all market operations.
He noted that recent advancements, such as the digitization of SEC processes, deployment of new online service portals, and enhanced engagement with market stakeholders through digital platforms, were designed to simplify regulatory interactions and make the market more user-friendly.
 According to him, “The digitization of our processes, the launch of new portals, and our enhanced engagement on social media are all steps in the right direction. They are designed to make our market more accessible, transparent, and user-friendly”.
 While acknowledging the transformative power of technology, the SEC boss stressed that human engagement remains central to building trust.
He explained that “technology is only an enabler,” adding: “The heart of excellent service is the human connection—the ability to listen, understand, and provide solutions that make every stakeholder feel valued.”
 Dr. Agama pledged that the Commission would continue to invest in digital infrastructure, continuous staff training, and tools that empower frontline officers to deliver superior service to investors.
 He described customer-facing staff as the “true heroes” of the capital market, whose work directly shapes investor perception and confidence in the system.
 He stressed that the SEC’s vision is to build a deep, vibrant, and technology-driven capital market powered by efficient service delivery and sustained trust.
“Let every day be Customer Service Day at the Nigerian SEC and across our capital market. Let us continue to build this market of the future, not with grand pronouncements alone, but with one successful interaction, one resolved complaint, and one satisfied stakeholder at a time”, he stated.
SON seeks improved stakeholders’ collaboration to strengthen trade through standards

 
 
The Standards Organisation of Nigeria has called for collaboration with stakeholders to strengthen trade through standards.
The Director General, SON, Ifeanyi Okeke at the 2025 edition of the World Standards Day themed “Shared vision for a better world,  spotlight on the Sustainable Development Goal 17” celebration in Lagos, said the event is not only to commemorate the global significance of standards, but also to demonstrate collective commitment through the work of standards, a symbolic expression of unity and shared vision for national and global development.
According to him, the theme is both timely and also compelling, noting that it reinforces the fact that sustainable development cannot be achieved by any single institution.
“Collaboration, cooperation, partnership are true drivers of progress and standards are the common language that makes such partnership possible.
“For Nigeria, this theme speaks to the realities of our development journey. Our goals, from food security to industrialization, from energy transition to trade expansion, require cooperation between the government, the private sector, academia and civil society.
“By spotlighting this Sustainable Development Goal 17, we affirm that partnerships are not simply supportive, but are the very backbone for achieving other Sustainable Development Goals.
Okeke said that national quality infrastructure is the underpinning, that determines Nigeria’s level of development, in terms of its ability to ensure that imported and exported products meet the required standards,  either national, regional and global standards.
“We cannot do conformity assessments alone.
We need the collaboration, we need the partnership, we need the cooperation.
“In this regard, for imported products, we need to have our internationally accredited experts, because SON cannot be found everywhere in the world.
“We need to have organizations that have been accredited and recognized globally to be able to help us test and certify our products.
“So we need that support, we need that collaboration internationally for imported products,” he added.
To boost export of locally produced goods, the Director General said, “We have the SONEXCAP which is our certification programme for exports. Nigeria cannot just continue dwelling on imports.
“What really sustains any nation is the ability to export. So SON is also playing in that field. Through the SONEXCAP, products that will leave this country to other countries with the SONEXCAP certification, those products can be accepted in most of the countries especially in Africa because of this African free trade area agreement.
“Because what it simply means is that with our SONEXCAP certification, we have a mutual recognised agreement with other African countries.
“This means that any products that leave Nigeria to other African countries will be wholeheartedly accepted,” he averred.
Archbishop Nzekwesi Celebrates Birthday In Grand Style 

By Nnedinma Michael
 
 
The Chief  Executive Officer ( CEO) of Pineeaf Estate and founder of Jesus Is Alive Church, Archbishop Onyekachukwu Joseph Nzekwesi, on Friday, October 10, 2025, celebrated his birthday in Eziowelle, Anambra State, Nigeria.
The celebration attracted numerous dignitaries, including politicians and business leaders, who gathered to wish him a happy birthday.
Some notable attendees include Chief George Muoghalu of Labour Party,
Chief Obinna Iyiegbu (Obi Cubana), Chief Chimezie Nwankwo (Abig Nwankwo), Chief Ikenna Iyiegbu (Ike Cubana), Hon Ikenna Offordeme of Anambra State House of Assembly, Chief Humphrey Anuna, President-General of ASMATA and others.
During the celebration, Archbishop Nzekwesi expressed gratitude to God for his blessings and prayed for his church members, business partners, sons and daughters in the real estate business, and for peaceful conduct of the November 8 Gubernatorial Election in Anambra State.
The Permanent Secretary,  Anambra State Ministry of Transport  and Commerce, Chief Engr. Michael  Obiekwe( Mmilioma Ogbunike),  praised Archbishop Nzekwesi for his  philanthropic efforts, noting that he has been a hope  for many,  a child of God that has created ripple effects of kindness  and generosity that has transformed lives and the community.
He prayed and thanked God for the celebrant’s life and that of his family, wishing him a peaceful birthday celebration.
A  consultant with Pine Leaf Estate, Mr Austine Eke,  described Archbishop Nzekwesi as a good man, a mentor in the real estate business, praising his exceptional work in real estate, and encouraged others to emulate his example to contribute to the development of the South East Region.
He added that his selflessness serves as a powerful reminder that everyone has the capacity to make positive impacts.
“Bishop has impacted many lives through his mentorship and empowerment to youths, women and others,” he concluded.
Stakeholders Seek End To  Infrastructure Deficits, Barriers to  Achieving $1trillion Economy for Nigeria.

The quest for economic intelligence and
strategies that will mitigate  infrastructure deficits and  barriers on pathways to achieving  $1trillion economy in Nigeria will dominate  discussions at the Finance and Business Online Publishers (FiBOP) Annual National Conference 2025.
Finance Minister and Coordinating Minister of  the Economy, Mr. Wale Edun and his team will be aggregating emerging solutions to put the economy at an even keel at the upcoming event.
The Annual National Conference provides a platform for technocrats, economists, and  thought  leaders from across all sectors to  brainstorm on fundamental ways to fast track  the achievement of $1 trillion economy target.
The Ministry has confirmed full participation at the conference which is scheduled to hold on October 18th and 19th 2025 at Orchid Hotels Lekki, Lagos.
Specifically, the conference is also billed to identify innovative strategies for  diversifying from dependence on oil, by adapting technology, fostering innovation, investing in renewable energy, insurance, agriculture, and services.
Absolutely designed to chart  a clear plan for securing successful mutual accountability and investment strategies of crucial importance for Nigeria’s economic growth development.
Furthermore it is intended to show how  technology innovations, tax reforms, renewable energy, and agriculture will severally and jointly contribute to achieve the target of $1 trillion economy.
National development minded corporate Organizations have thrown their weights behind the conference.
Cornerstone Insurance PLC, NGX Group, Nigerian Agriculture Insurance Corporation (NAIC) and NASENI are amongst the latest  to join forces with emPLE Insurance, Universal Insurance, Nigerian Deposit Insurance Corporation (NDIC), Nigerian Agriculture Insurance Corporation, Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), Nestle Nigeria PLC  and banks like Zenith, Polaris and Fidelity to ensure a grand and successful confab.
Commenting on preparations for the event, Chairman, Conference Planning Committee, Mr. Godson Ikoro, is very optimistic that FiBOP  will pull off a very  utilitarian conference that will generate fresh strategies to drive home Nigeria’s $1 trillion economy by 2030.
In the same vein, FiBOP President, Mr Charles Onwuatogwu in appreciating the support of the various partners backoned on more and organizations to join forces with other stakeholders to fast track the $1 trillion economy agenda and ensure better standard of living for Nigerians.
He reiterated that  partners and sponsors will enjoy a wide range of benefits from well articulated media exposure and publicity plan.
FiBOP is a registered body by the Corporate Affairs Commission made up of seasoned online publishers and editors, with wealth of experience in the print and electronic media, who are dedicated to promoting informed and balanced reporting of economic events and activities, wealth creation, and contributing to the growth and development of the Nigerian economy and the continent of Africa.
The association’s annual conference provides the needed platform for experts and stakeholders to contribute to issues of great national importance aimed at fostering inclusive growth, unity, and national prosperity.
CSCS Hosts Second Webinar On T+2 Settlement Cycle Transition

Navigating Nigeria's T+2 Settlement Cycle: Expert Insights
 The Central Securities Clearing System Plc (CSCS), Nigeria’s capital market infrastructure, is set to host its second stakeholder webinar on the transition to the T+2 settlement cycle, themed “Trade Associations Roundtable: Ensuring Stakeholder Readiness for T+2 Settlement.” The webinar will hold virtually via zoom on Tuesday, 15 October 2025 at 10:00 AM.
This second webinar builds on the momentum of the first, reinforcing CSCS’s commitment to engaging stakeholders and ensuring the smooth transition of Nigeria’s capital market from the current T+3 settlement cycle to T+2 in line with global best practices.
Haruna Jalo-Waziri, MD/CEO of CSCS Plc stated “The transition to T+2 settlement is not just a regulatory milestone—it represents a collective achievement for our market. At CSCS, we recognize that the success of this transition depends on shared understanding and readiness across all stakeholder groups. This second webinar is part of our commitment to continuous engagement, ensuring that every participant in the value chain is equipped and aligned for a smooth and efficient implementation.”
The event will feature remarks from top industry leaders, including Dr. Emomotimi Agama, Director General, Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), Temi Popoola, Chairman, CSCS Plc, and Haruna Jalo-Waziri, MD/CEO, CSCS Plc. They will be joined by key representatives from market trade associations who will share perspectives on industry preparedness.
Confirmed speakers include Samuel Onukwue, Chairman, Association of Securities Dealing Houses of Nigeria (ASHON), Babatunde Majiyagbe, President, Association of Asset Custodians of Nigeria (AACN), and Seyi Owoturo, President/Chairman of Council, Institute of Capital Market Registrars (ICMR).
The interactive session will feature a robust Q&A segment to enable participants engage directly with industry leaders and clarify operational adjustments required for the T+2 transition.
Through initiatives such as this webinar, CSCS continues to demonstrate its leadership in driving operational efficiency, market development, and alignment with international standards, ensuring that Nigeria’s capital market remains resilient and globally competitive.
Registration for the webinar is now open via this Zoom link.
Dangote Refinery Clarifies Feedstock Imports, Reaffirms High-Quality Petrol Production

Dangote Petroleum Refinery has dismissed recent media reports alleging that it is importing finished petrol with high sulphur content into Nigeria, describing the claims as false and misleading.

 

In a statement issued on Friday, the company explained that, as a world-scale complex refinery, it processes a wide range of crude oils and intermediate feedstocks, which is a standard global practice aimed at optimising production and product quality.

 

“The cargo in question is an intermediate feedstock, not finished petrol,” the company said. “It will be fully refined in our processing units to meet both Nigerian and international quality standards.”

 

Operating within a Free Trade Zone, Dangote Petroleum Refinery said it refines and sells only high-quality fuels that comply with all regulatory specifications. The company added that its exports of petroleum products to the United States and Europe, among the world’s most regulated markets, underscore its adherence to international benchmarks for quality and safety.

 

Dangote Refinery further noted that all imported feedstocks are accompanied by quality certificates, which are transparently shared with regulators. “We are also willing to make these documents available to the public in the interest of full transparency and accountability,” the statement added.

 

The company reaffirmed its commitment to advancing Nigeria’s energy independence, maintaining global best practices, and delivering cleaner, high-quality fuels for both domestic and international markets.

 

 

 

Read Full Statement Below

 

Clarification on Importation of Intermediate Feedstocks

 

Dangote Petroleum Refinery has noted reports claiming it is importing finished petrol (PMS) with high sulphur content into Nigeria. These reports are false, malicious, and misleading.

 

As a world-scale complex refinery, Dangote processes a range of crude oils and intermediate feedstocks, a standard global practice aimed at optimising production and quality. The cargo in question is an intermediate feedstock, not finished petrol, and will be fully refined in our units to meet Nigerian and international quality standards.

 

Operating within a Free Trade Zone, Dangote Petroleum Refinery refines and sells only high-quality fuels, compliant with all regulatory specifications. Our exports of petroleum products to the United States and Europe, among the world’s most regulated markets, underscore our adherence to global benchmarks.

 

All imports are accompanied by quality certificates and shared transparently with regulators. Dangote Petroleum Refinery is also willing to make these documents available to the public in the interest of full transparency and accountability.

 

Dangote Refinery remains fully committed to advancing Nigeria’s energy independence, upholding the highest standards of quality and transparency, and delivering cleaner fuels for Nigeria and beyond.

 

Sovereign Trust Insurance Plc Goes Unique Celebrating Customer Service Week

Sovereign Trust Insurance Plc takes its annual edition of Customer Service Week to the active space with the theme, Mission Possible. In the statement affirming this the company said, “In the last four days, we have had different tactical dress codes to celebrate the week-long activities.”

Day 1: Rep your Dream Job

Day 2: Rep Your Alma Mater

Day 3: Rep Your Mentor (Local or Global)

Day 4: Rep Your Jerseys and the Nerd in You

Day 5: Community & Culture

Featured Picture: Ugochi Odemelam, Executive Director, Marketing and Business Development Division and Segun Bankole, DGM, Corporate Communications and Investor Relations being flanked by members of Staff of the organisation.

Cornerstone Insurance Celebrates Customer Service Week 2025, Reaffirms Commitment To Customer Satisfaction

Cornerstone Insurance Plc joined organizations across the globe this week in commemorating the annual Customer Service Week, which runs from October 7 to 11.

This year’s celebration carried the bold theme “Mission Impossible,” highlighting the exceptional dedication and resilience of customer service teams in delivering top-tier service in challenging environments.

Throughout the week, Cornerstone Insurance rolled out a series of staff engagement activities, customer appreciation initiatives designed to reinforce the company’s commitment to customer satisfaction. The campaign celebrated frontline service personnel as unsung heroes who go above and beyond to ensure seamless client experiences.

In a statement, the management of Cornerstone Insurance Plc emphasized that the celebration serves as both recognition and motivation. “Customer Service Week gives us the opportunity to appreciate the individuals who make our service delivery possible and to reaffirm our promise to put customers first,” the company noted.

With interactive sessions, games, and awards recognizing outstanding staff performance, the insurer underlined its dedication to fostering a culture of excellence and innovation in customer engagement.

Cornerstone Insurance Plc, a leading player in Nigeria’s insurance sector, continues to distinguish itself through a combination of digital transformation and customer-centric policies—solidifying its reputation as a dependable and forward-thinking insurer.

APGA Stakeholders Working Underground for Ukachukwu’s Success, Says Okonkwo

By Nnedima Micheal
A former stalwart of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), Prof Theodore Okonkwo, has revealed that many stakeholders of the party are currently  secretly working for  the success of Prince Nicholas Ukachukwu, the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate for the November 8, 2025 Anambra State governorship election.
Okonkwo, a professor of Law specialising in Environmental, Climate Change, Biodiversity and Maritime Law, hails from Ezenaja village, Oraukwu, in Idemili North Council had joined APGA in 2011.
He then officially resigned from the party on September 25, 2025 to join the APC.
Speaking about his defection, Prof. Okonkwo said APGA, once a vibrant movement founded on the principle of brotherhood, has lost its moral compass. “The truth is that APGA has been hijacked,” he declared.
 “Their slogan, ‘Onye Aghana Nwanneya’ (Be Your Brother’s Keeper), no longer hold true.
“The party is now filled with injustice, fake promises, and a broken reward system.”
He further disclosed that numerous APGA members are quietly working for Prince Ukachukwu’s impending victory. “Many stakeholders in APGA have sympathy for Ukachukwu,” he said. “They are working underground but can’t say it openly.”
Prof. Okonkwo said his decision to join the APC was divinely inspired.  Hear him, “It was not about inducement or persuasion. It was a spiritual revelation,” he explained. He drew guide from biblical parallels, saying, “In the Scripture, when Elijah was about to ascend into heaven, the sons of the prophets were aware of the moment but failed to grasp its deeper revelation. They rejoiced without understanding, but only Elisha caught the revelation and received the blessing. I, too, have caught the revelation of Ikukuoma’s (Ukachukwu’s) mission in Anambra. I don’t want to be like the sons of the prophet who clapped without understanding”.
According to him, the Soludo administration has failed to deliver on its promises. “We were excited when Gov Soludo came with the slogan, ‘I will fix it, it is not broken’. But now, it is broken into pieces,” he lamented. “The governor’s promises do not match the realities on ground. What happened to the ecological funds? My hometown, Oraukwu, is ravaged by erosion, yet nothing serious has been done.”
He questioned the utilisation of the excess revenue accruing to the state from the removal of fuel subsidy. “The money coming into Anambra does not reflect in infrastructure or human development. The government is not transparent about its spendings” he added.
On security, the professor described the situation in Anambra as “dire and unsustainable.” “I don’t travel into Anambra after 6 p.m. because of insecurity,” he said. “Even within the state, people avoid travelling at night. The security architecture is being used as a façade for political purposes ahead of the election.”
Prof. Okonkwo argued that the APC candidate, Prince Ukachukwu, represents a new hope for the state. “My encounter with him was refreshing,” he said. “I told him my only fear was that he might change when he becomes governor, and he laughed. I believe his humility and sincerity of purpose will drive meaningful development.”
He urged Prince Ukachukwu to prioritise security, human development, and institution building. “If there is no security, there will be no investment or development,” he noted. “He should focus on developing people, not just infrastructure. Once individuals are empowered, they build strong families and communities. That is how lasting progress begins.”
Drawing lessons from history, Okonkwo cited Chief Obafemi Awolowo’s free education policy as an example of visionary leadership. “When you develop an individual, you develop a nation,” he stressed.
 “Government does not create jobs; it creates the enabling environment for businesses to thrive and create jobs”
He advised Ukachukwu to maintain humility and a cordial relationship with the APC-led Federal Government. “Leadership requires humility,” he said. “To build strong partnerships with Abuja, the governor must wear humility like a badge.”
On the Soludo administration’s tax policies, he expressed dismay at what he described as crude enforcement method. “The so-called Akaodo revenue agents use pestles to threaten and force compliance on people. Even during colonial times, enforcement was not as harsh,” he said.
He noted that Anambra needs a leader with vision, courage, and divine conviction. “I don’t hate anyone,” he said. “But Anambra State is greater than any individual. We need a change that restores dignity, fairness, and security to our people.”
He therefore called citizens to massively support and vote APC, Ukachukwu on Nov 8, 2025 to usher in better life and new positive change experience.
Airtel Africa Champions Youth Empowerment With 100 Technology Scholarships

By Winifred Bosa
Following the recent announcement by its Chairman, Dr. Segun Ogunsanya, at a World Press Conference held in Lagos recently, the Airtel Africa Foundation, through Airtel Nigeria, has kicked off its Undergraduate Tech Scholarship Programme to benefit 100 Nigerian undergraduates.
This initiative will provide each recipient with a grant covering tuition, accommodation, study materials, and a stipend from the first year of study through the final year.
 This financial aid removes economic barriers, empowering students to dedicate their focus to academic and technical achievement in technology.
Eligible courses of study include Computer Science, Information Technology, Data Science, Software Engineering, Cybersecurity, Artificial Intelligence, and other ICT-related disciplines.
Commenting on the initiative, Dr. Ogunsanya affirmed that the scholarships represent the Foundation’s continued commitment to breaking down barriers for young Africans.
“At Airtel Africa Foundation, our vision has always been to create opportunities where talent meets ambition. With this scholarship, we are investing in Nigeria’s future tech leaders, giving them the resources and confidence to thrive in an increasingly digital world,” he stated.
Beneficiaries are selected from 100-level students enrolled in approved programmes in participating public universities across the country.
These institutions include the University of Lagos (UNILAG), the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN), Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), the University of Benin (UNIBEN), Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), the University of Ilorin (UNILORIN), and Tai Solarin University of Education (TASUED).
Airtel Nigeria CEO, Dinesh Balsingh, noted: “The prioritization of education as a pillar of our social investments becomes much stronger with these 100 new scholarships. They build on such other initiatives as our partnership with UNICEF on the Reimagine Education Programme, our Adopt-A-School project, and our 1 billion naira investment in the Three Million Technical Talent (3MTT) effort of the Federal Government.
 Ultimately, for us as an organisation, the best way to equip the future is to arm it with cutting-edge education.”
The undergraduate scholarship is a direct component of the Foundation’s four strategic pillars of Financial Inclusion, Education, Environmental Protection, and Digital Inclusion (FEED).