It was a big hall. The table and chairs arranged neatly, row by row, sat nothing less than 250 people. There was a big stage with 7 white cushion-chairs that had microphones attached, the set-up suggested a panel-discussion of some sort; and a glass podium, for speakers. Booths were erected on either side of the hall, each one representing a different sponsor. Flex banners decorated the corners of the hall, each one reflecting a story told by the different sponsors (Zenith Bank, Hewlett Packard, C & I Leasing, Programos Software, and a host of others). The day was Wednesday, the 11th September 2019, the event was The Nigeria Stock Exchange Market Data Workshop.
This was the 4th edition of the annual workshop and its goal is to raise awareness on the critical role market data plays in the creation of wealth, and to bridge the gap between the Stock Exchange and market participants. This year’s theme was ‘Partnerships, Products and the Customer’. The workshop featured keynote addresses, expert opinions from industry experts, product launches from The Nigeria Stock Exchange, presentations from thought leaders and a panel discussion.
InfoWARE Limited, recognised by the London Stock Exchange Group as ‘the company to inspire Africa’, partnered with The Nigeria Stock Exchange to enable the success of the event; mission accomplished because it indeed was a success. The big hall was packed full with people willing to be engaged.
The CEO of The Nigeria Stock Exchange, Mr. Oscar N. Onyema delivered the welcome address which kicked off the workshop. Speakers like Dr. Mary Akinyemi (lecturer from Unilag), Mr. Deremi Atanda (Executive Director, System Specs) and others graced the stage to present topics that buttressed the importance of market data and its application. InfoWARE staff members also contributed to the knowledge sharing session- the likes of Dorcas Eniola Osadare and Mr. Ramon. They explored other dimensions of market data. The Nigeria Stock Exchange Data Portal was launched, as well as their X-Mobile app targeted at boosting the participation of retail investors in the Nigerian Capital Market Space. Live demos of both products were given to the audience so they had a feel of the experience the apps provide.
“Data is the new oil”, was the statement that jumpstarted the panel discussion. Said by Uwa Agbonile, the CEO/Chief Software Architect of InfoWARE Limited, the very statement embodied the importance of data in general and the role that it plays in not just business, but in everyday life. It was in line with the goal of The Nigeria Stock Exchange which is to highlight the potential data has in making a difference, creating wealth and in the long run, boosting the economy. The panel discussion, centred around the topic ‘The Role of Market Data in Decision-making’ was very insightful. It was moderated by Mr. Olufemi Balogun, the Head of Market Services at The Nigeria Stock Exchange. The panellists included:
- Dr Bridget Nkemnola – Senior Lecturer, Department of Mathematics, University of Lagos
- Uwa Agbonile – CEO/Chief Software Architect, Solutaris, LLC/InfoWARE Limited
- Tosin Beredugo – Head of Technology, The Nigeria Stock Exchange
- David Ogunsola – Head of Information Technology, C & I Leasing
- Ifeyinwa Ojo – Country Sales Lead, Hewlett Packard
- Adeola Adenrelu – Deputy Chief Information Officer, Zenith Bank
- Tajudeen Ibrahim – Head, Research and Strategy, Chapel Hill Denham
As earlier mentioned, the event thrived, and most importantly, achieved its goal of creating more awareness on the significance of market data. Touching on important issues like the low rate of investment in the country, or lack of market knowledge on the part of the citizens, this event is relevant and essential to not only industry people, but also anyone who is interested in making money (which at the end of the day is everyone because who doesn’t want to make money); it’s no wonder it’s an annual event. According to The Nigeria Stock Exchange, next year promises to be bigger and better so people have to stay glued to their seats anticipating the outcome.
Kudos to The Nigeria Stock Exchange for a successful event!
