It was a glorious day for the Nigerian Financial journalists covering the Nigerian Stock Exchange, NSE, on November 6, 2018.

On Customs Street, Lagos, the heart of the nation’s financial capital, Qasim Akinreti, the chairman of the Nigerian Union of Journalists, NUJ, Lagos State chapter, was ushered into the trading floor by the management of the stock exchange along with the  representatives of capital market correspondents.

Akinreti spoke for 30minutes extolling unique contributions of stockbrokers to the growth of the Nigerian economy. In particular he commended the financial reporters for keeping the business community informed on updates at the capital market, which ultimately assist the investing public in taking favourable capital market decisions.

In his speech, Akinreti recalled his glorious years as financial correspondent for the Voice of Nigeria, covering the Nigerian Stock Exchange, NSE, the Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, and the Security Exchange Commission, SEC, with colleagues such as Sola Oni of The Guardian; Sarah Sandra, NTA; Akin Akinremi, OGBC; Gbenga Mayowa, Daily Times; Osula, AIT; Tunde Agoi and Olisa Egbunike, the NAN among others.

Indeed, it was a triumphant entry into the 9th floor of NSE building. More importantly, Akinreti had the singular honour to inaugurate, “Media Lounge” room for the Nigerian financial correspondents to relax before and after the trading activities.

He used the opportunity to request the NSE management and the financial market operators to revive the PGD Financial Journalism programme at the Nigerian institute of Journalism, NIJ. The financial reporting course has been abandoned for about 10 years.

“For all it takes, the NSE management has kept alive its commitment towards addressing the needs of the financial correspondents. Surely after a good work day, there must be time to unwind. For the financial correspondents, NSE media Lounge is a place to be.

My appreciation to the Nigerian Stock Exchange, NSE, management and financial correspondents for keeping the flag flying,” he said.

– Nov. 20, 2018 @ 18:06 GMT |