By DAYO ADESULU
The Chairman of the Association of Securities Dealing Houses of Nigeria (ASHON), Mr Sehinde Adenagbe, has praised Financial Trust Company Nigeria Limited for its resilience, regulatory compliance, and enduring legacy as the company marked its 50th anniversary celebration on Thursday.
Speaking during the golden jubilee event held on May 14, 2026, Adenagbe described the stockbroking firm as one of Nigeria’s foremost indigenous investment companies that has remained strong despite decades of economic and regulatory challenges.
In a goodwill message delivered at the anniversary ceremony, the ASHON chairman applauded the company for surviving different phases of Nigeria’s capital market evolution while maintaining professionalism and operational stability.
According to him, the firm’s success story reflects discipline, foresight, and commitment to regulatory standards within the Nigerian capital market.
Tribute to Founder’s Visionary Leadership
Adenagbe paid glowing tribute to the late founder of the company, William Olufemi Olateju Ajayi, whom he described as a visionary pioneer in Nigeria’s stockbroking profession.
He noted that Ajayi, who also served as the founding President of the former Nigerian Institute of Stockbrokers, established the company at a time when the nation’s capital market still operated under the old open outcry trading system.
The ASHON chairman said the late founder demonstrated remarkable foresight by building an institution that has continued to flourish decades after his death.
“The visionary legacy of the late founder continues to speak volumes,” Adenagbe stated.
He added that the company’s endurance over five decades remains a major achievement considering the various economic cycles, institutional transitions, and government changes Nigeria has witnessed since its establishment.
Financial Trust Company Survived Economic and Regulatory Storms
Highlighting the company’s journey, Adenagbe noted that Financial Trust Company Nigeria Limited successfully navigated periods of military and civilian administrations while remaining compliant with industry regulations.
He explained that many firms in the sector struggled or disappeared due to regulatory and operational failures, but Financial Trust Company continued to strengthen its market position through professional discipline and adherence to laid-down rules.
According to him, regulatory compliance has remained the foundation of the company’s long-standing success.
He further stressed that the company’s ability to remain stable in difficult periods should serve as a lesson to operators within Nigeria’s financial market.
“Success in our market is best achieved through strict adherence to the rules, which preserves value and protects long-term profitability,” Adenagbe said.
ASHON Reaffirms Support for Professional Standards
The ASHON chairman also reaffirmed the association’s pride in the company as one of its valued members and ambassadors of professionalism in the Nigerian capital market.
He encouraged the management of the company not to relent in sustaining high ethical standards and transparent business operations.
Adenagbe expressed optimism that the company would continue expanding its operations within a well-regulated market environment while maintaining the values that sustained it over the years.
He prayed for continued prosperity and growth for the company, expressing hope that stakeholders present would also witness its centenary anniversary celebration in the future.
“We look forward with great anticipation to your centenary celebrations,” he said.
Milestone Celebration Reflects Confidence in Nigeria’s Capital Market
Industry observers at the event described the anniversary as a significant milestone not only for the company but also for Nigeria’s capital market sector.
The celebration drew dignitaries, market operators, business leaders, and members of the press who gathered to honour the company’s contributions to the nation’s financial services industry over the last five decades.
Founded during the formative years of Nigeria’s capital market, Financial Trust Company Nigeria Limited has built a reputation as one of the enduring indigenous stockbroking institutions in the country.
Its 50th anniversary comes at a time when stakeholders continue to advocate stronger compliance, investor confidence, and transparency within Nigeria’s financial market ecosystem.
The goodwill message from ASHON further highlighted the importance of resilience, institutional integrity, and visionary leadership in sustaining businesses across generations.
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