CNBC Africa @ 10: Message from NSE CEO Oscar Onyema

Celebrating a decade of financial reporting in Africa, CNBC Africa recently spoke with Oscar Onyema, the Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE), reflecting on his six-year tenure at the helm of the exchange. Onyema commended CNBC Africa for its significant impact on the continent's financial market activities and business reporting. He reminisced about memorable occasions at the exchange, from joyous celebrations on the trading floor to key milestones such as the recent emergency general meeting that approved efforts towards dematerializing the exchange. The conversation shifted to the role of media in reporting on the capital market's highs and lows. Onyema praised the media for its transparency in telling the market's story, driving confidence among issuers, investors, and other stakeholders. He emphasized the importance of collaboration between the NSE and the media to ensure accurate and unbiased reporting, ultimately fostering a transparent marketplace. Reflecting on the NSE's initiatives over the past six years, Onyema highlighted the exchange's commitment to creating a level playing field for market participants through robust regulation and product diversification. By offering a variety of investment products across asset classes such as real estate, fixed income, equities, commodities, and working towards derivatives, the NSE has evolved into a comprehensive securities market. This evolution has not only enhanced investor confidence but also positioned the exchange as a reflection of the broader economy's trends. As the Nigerian economy navigates through recent shocks, the NSE serves as a barometer of confidence, with the equity market showcasing positive signals for the country's economic outlook. Onyema credited the NSE's strategic initiatives for enabling market participants to weather volatility and diversify their portfolios effectively, ultimately contributing to the exchange's resilience and growth. In closing, Onyema expressed gratitude for the opportunity to discuss the NSE's journey on CNBC Africa and emphasized the exchange's commitment to promoting trust, transparency, and innovation in the Nigerian financial market landscape.