Otedola, First HoldCo dominate Nairametrics capital market awards

It was a night of recognition and celebration for Femi Otedola and the First HoldCo Group as they swept top honours at the inaugural Nairametrics Capital Market Choice Awards, held at the Civic Centre in Victoria Island, Lagos.

Otedola, the Group Chairman of First HoldCo Plc, was named Activist Investor and Market Maker of the Year—a major recognition of his enduring impact on the Nigerian capital market. The award celebrates his over two decades of strategic investment moves and his influence in reshaping market dynamics.

But it wasn’t just a personal victory for Otedola. The companies under his leadership also had a big night.

First HoldCo Plc was awarded Tier-One Bank of the Year (FUGAZ Bank of the Year), affirming its status as a leader among Nigeria’s most capitalized and influential banks. FirstBank, the flagship commercial banking arm, clinched the Agency Bank of the Year title, highlighting its expansive reach and dominance in the retail and agency banking space.

In the investment space, First Asset Management took home the award for Fund Manager of the Year, a nod to its impressive performance and market leadership in portfolio and asset management.

Reacting to the haul of awards, Otedola expressed pride in the collective accomplishments of the Group.

“I am delighted by this recognition and proud of the efforts of every company in the First HoldCo family. It reflects our shared focus on building a stronger, more transparent capital market for Nigeria,” he said.

The Group Managing Director, Wale Oyedeji, echoed the sentiment, describing the wins as a testament to the Group’s steady progress and commitment to excellence.

“These awards affirm our drive to deliver superior value across our services. I particularly congratulate our Chairman—his recognition is truly well-earned,” Oyedeji added.

The awards ceremony, hosted by financial intelligence platform Nairametrics, was designed to spotlight key players and institutions shaping Nigeria’s capital market landscape.

In his opening remarks, Ugo Obi-Chukwu, Founder and CEO of Nairametrics, said the award series was conceived to promote the core values of trust, performance, and progress in the capital market.

“This initiative will now be an annual tradition. It’s our way of reinforcing excellence and transparency in Nigeria’s financial system,” he said.