The acceptance speech by Alhaji (Dr.) Umaru Kwairanga, Group Chair of NGX and MD/CEO of FINMAL Finance Services Limited at the International Business Achiever Award (IBAA 2026). British Council, Ghana | Saturday, 30 May 2026.
It is a profound honour and privilege to receive the International Business Achiever Award 2026.
I accept this award with deep humility because it is not mine alone. Every achievement is built on the support, guidance, and commitment of many people.
First, I must acknowledge my mentors and father figures, especially Alhaji Dr. Umaru Mutallab, CON and Alhaji Aliko Dangote, GCON, whose guidance, discipline, and commitment to excellence helped shape my professional and entrepreneurial journey. Their example continues to inspire my approach to leadership, business, and service.
I also dedicate this recognition to the hardworking and loyal team at FINMAL Finance Services Limited. Together, we have grown what began as a modest investment firm into an institution with national and continental relevance. Their professionalism, resilience, and belief in our shared vision remain the foundation of our success.
As Chairman of NGX Group Plc, I must equally commend the Group Managing Director and CEO, Mr. Temi Popoola, and the entire Board; Management and Staff of NGX for their dedication and transformative leadership, which have positioned the Nigerian Capital Market among the best-performing markets globally in recent years.
I also appreciate His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR, for putting in place bold, hard but needed policies that have turned around a struggling economy and put it on the path to growth.
At FINMAL, we have always believed that business success must go beyond profitability. True leadership is about creating value, expanding opportunities, empowering people, and building institutions that contribute meaningfully to economic and social development.
As Africa continues to evolve, there is an urgent responsibility on institutions and business leaders to remain innovative, inclusive, ethical, and committed to sustainable growth. We must continue to build enterprises that are globally competitive while remaining firmly rooted in service, impact, and African excellence.
This recognition is therefore not just a celebration of past achievements, but also a reminder that there is still much work to be done, particularly in deepening financial inclusion, supporting entrepreneurship, strengthening institutions, and unlocking opportunities for the next generation of Africans.
To the young people and emerging entrepreneurs here today, my message is simple: remain resilient, disciplined, and purpose-driven. Excellence is rarely accidental. It is built through consistency, vision, hard work, and the courage to persevere even in difficult moments.
Let me once again thank M-Gibes College of Business and Management and the organisers of IBAA 2026 for this recognition and for creating a platform that celebrates excellence, enterprise, leadership, and impact across Africa for this honour, and congratulate all the distinguished award recipients being celebrated tonight.
May we all continue to use our platforms, businesses, and talents as instruments for transformation, prosperity, and lasting progress across Africa.
Thank you very much, and God bless you all.
Alhaji (Dr.) Umaru Kwairanga
MD/CEO, FINMAL Finance Services Limited
Chairman, NGX Group Plc
