Diamond Bank gets listing on London Stock Exchange

The peak of the epoch making event was the ringing of the Bell by Emeka Onwuka, signaling the starting of trading on the floor of the London Stock Exchange.

The event was witnessed by captains of industries, top government dignitaries including Alfred Nnaemeka Achebe, chairman of Diamond Bank, Pascal Dozie, founder Diamond Bank, Ndi Okereke-Onyiuke, director general, Nigerian Stock Exchange, Al Faki, the director general, Nigerian Security and Exchange Commission, Chuka Eseka, MD Vetiva Capital Management Limited who was the Financial Adviser/Domestic co-coordinator for the offer and a host of others.

Commenting on the admission to the LSE, Emeka Onwuka, the GMD/CEO Diamond Bank said, "the listing is an important step in the evolution of the Bank’s strategy and is aimed at raising stronger capital base, attracting new shareholders, raising its international profile, enhancing the leadership position of Diamond Bank in the middle market and develop the Bank into a reputable financial conglomerate".

In the same light, the Head of Primary Market, London Stock Exchange, Tracy Pierce, said, "I am personally delighted to welcome Diamond Bank to the London Stock Exchange. This is the 2nd Nigerian company to be listed in the London Stock Exchange and the 1st Nigerian company to be listed on our Professional Securities Market, and we hope that many more companies from Nigeria will follow."

Ndi Okereke-Onyiuke DG, Nigerian Stock Exchange, also did not hide her emotions as she said, "This is a major fulfillment for me as Diamond Bank has placed Nigeria in the world map, especially the world financial system, by being listed not just in the London Stock Exchange but the 1st African company/bank to be listed in the Professional Securities Market of the London Stock Exchange.

"This is because the Professional Securities Market is the cream of the London Stock Exchange and you must pass through a rigorous process before being listed in this market.

I do hope that many more Nigerian companies will come and be listed in this market."