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United Capital Group Leads Historic Bond Issuance, Marking a New Era for Nigeria’s Capital Markets
United Capital Group Leads Historic Bond Issuance, Marking a New Era for Nigeria’s Capital Markets....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
Nigeria’s premier financial services institution, United Capital Group, has showcased its expertise by spearheading the issuance of the Federal Government’s Domestic US Dollar Bond. This groundbreaking transaction raised over $900 million with an impressive 180% subscription rate, marking Nigeria’s first-ever domestic USD-denominated bond.
The overwhelming demand for this bond underscores strong investor confidence in Nigeria’s economic stability and growth prospects. It also highlights United Capital’s capability to deliver innovative financial solutions in challenging markets. According to a statement released to PUNCH Online, the proceeds from this bond issuance are designated for crucial infrastructural development projects, promising a transformative impact on Nigeria’s economy.
Transforming Nigeria’s Economy
The success of this bond issuance reflects a growing appetite for domestic investment opportunities and affirms faith in Nigeria’s future as an emerging hub for economic growth. “By spearheading this landmark transaction, United Capital continues to solidify its position as a leader in Africa’s financial markets,” the Group stated. This initiative significantly contributes to the nation’s progress through strategic capital mobilization.
Dr. Gbadebo Adenrele, the Managing Director of Investment Banking at United Capital Group, remarked on the issuance’s success, saying, “This is a landmark moment for Nigeria’s capital market. As a pioneer in this class of transactions, United Capital has laid the foundation for more significant capital raises by the Nigerian Government, other African sovereigns, and major corporate issuers.” He emphasized that the success of the Domestic FGN US Dollar bond is a testament to investor confidence in Nigeria’s economic trajectory and United Capital’s innovative approach to finance.
A Major Milestone for Africa
The Group CEO of United Capital Group, Peter Ashade, highlighted the firm’s pivotal role in advancing Africa’s capital markets. He stated, “The successful issuance of Nigeria’s inaugural Domestic FGN US Dollar bond is a major milestone for both the country and United Capital. This transaction aligns perfectly with our vision of transforming the African financial landscape. By providing access to innovative investment opportunities, we are empowering investors and contributing to Nigeria’s economic growth.”
In addition to United Capital’s role as the Lead Issuing House and Coordinator for this domestic bond issuance, the Africa Finance Corporation acted as the Global Coordinator. Other key players in this transaction included Meristem Capital Limited, Stanbic IBTC Capital Limited, and Vetiva Advisory Services Limited, which served as Issuing Houses. Constant Capital Markets & Securities Limited and Iron Global Markets Limited acted as Financial Advisers, while Olaniwun Ajayi LP and G. Elias served as Solicitors. Greenwich Trustees Limited acted as a Trustee.
Reinforcing Leadership in Capital Markets
United Capital Group’s significant role in this landmark transaction reinforces its capacity to lead and manage substantial capital market activities. Recent accomplishments, such as the listing by introduction of Transcorp Power Plc on the Nigerian Exchange Limited and the issuance of Sierra Leone’s first local currency corporate bond, further enhance its reputation as a leader in Africa’s financial landscape.
Bamidele Kehinde, Director of Dynamic Ambassadors for Social Orientation Initiatives and the City Transformation Project, has expressed appreciation to the Federal Government of Nigeria for its efforts in securing the release of Pastor Benjamin Egbaji, who was reportedly held in detention in the Republic of Benin for over two years under difficult conditions.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
Pastor Egbaji, a Nigerian cleric, was said to have endured harsh treatment during his detention, including prolonged confinement. His release followed a presidential pardon granted by the authorities in Benin Republic under President Patrice Talon.
Speaking on News Central TV, Dr. Kehinde praised the diplomatic efforts that led to the cleric’s freedom, describing the process as lengthy and challenging. He noted that significant progress was achieved after Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu was appointed Minister of State for Foreign Affairs.
He stated that although there was no personal connection or financial influence involved, the minister actively engaged Benin Republic authorities through diplomatic channels. According to him, her visit and negotiations played a key role in securing Pastor Egbaji’s release.
Dr. Kehinde also commended all individuals and institutions that contributed to the advocacy efforts, including Moses Eyo, Dickson Umu Unung, the Cross River State Government, CP Alobi Lawrence (rtd), Joseph Bisong Ayi, Blessing Harrison, Eze Sampson, and Rt. Hon. Legor Idagbo.
He said their combined efforts were instrumental in achieving the cleric’s freedom.
He added that while Egbaji’s release is a major relief, the cleric now faces the task of recovering and rebuilding his life after years of hardship. He called for continued support to help him reintegrate into society.
Dr. Kehinde also urged stronger government commitment to protecting Nigerian citizens abroad and enhancing diplomatic engagement across West Africa to prevent similar cases in the future.
The Civil Defence, Correctional, Fire, and Immigration Services Board (CDCFIB) has provided an update on its ongoing nationwide recruitment exercise.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
The board stated that 1,120,491 applications were successfully completed and processed, allowing candidates to proceed to the computer-based test (CBT) stage.
It also disclosed that 432,935 applications were left incomplete, while 360,923 applicants were disqualified during screening and shortlisting for failing to meet the required criteria.
In total, the recruitment exercise recorded over 1.8 million applications across the country.
The exercise covers agencies under the board, including the Nigeria Immigration Service, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, Federal Fire Service, and the Nigeria Correctional Service.
CDCFIB also released a breakdown of CBT performance, showing that 221,996 candidates scored between 0–40, 229,155 scored between 41–60, 278,543 scored between 61–80, while 142,697 scored between 81–100.
The recruitment process is now expected to move to the next stage, which includes physical screening and document verification. Shortlisted candidates will be contacted with details of their screening venues, dates, and required documents.
The board reiterated that the entire process is free of charge and advised applicants to rely only on official communication channels for updates, warning against misinformation and unauthorized messages circulating online.
The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has confirmed that its Air Component of Operation HADIN KAI conducted precise airstrikes in the Yuwe axis of the Sambisa Forest, resulting in the elimination of several terrorist elements on Monday.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
This was contained in a statement issued on Tuesday in Abuja by the Director of Public Relations and Information, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, who noted that military operations in the North-East continue to maintain strong pressure on insurgent groups.
He explained that the operation was based on credible intelligence, supported by Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) activities, which identified active terrorist presence within fortified positions and underground hideouts.
According to him, NAF air platforms successfully engaged the targets using precision-guided munitions, destroying the structures, neutralising multiple terrorists, and dismantling key logistics facilities. This was later confirmed through battle damage assessments.
The statement added that sustained air operations have continued to weaken terrorist networks, disrupting their activities and forcing them into more defensive and unstable responses.
The Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Aneke, also reiterated the Air Force’s commitment to maintaining continuous, intelligence-driven operations aimed at completely neutralising terrorist threats.
He further assured that the NAF remains focused on protecting its personnel, safeguarding national security, and ensuring the safety of citizens, while continuing precision operations in line with strict rules of engagement to minimise civilian impact.
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