Femi Otedola, the Chairman of First HoldCo Plc and Geregu Power Plc, has won the Activist Investor and Market Maker of the Year award at the 2025 Nairametrics Capital Market Choice Awards. The event was held on May 23, 2025, at the Civic Centre in Lagos.
This award recognizes Otedola’s strong impact on Nigeria’s financial market. His leadership and investments have helped improve corporate behavior and build trust among investors. His work has made companies more open and has increased value for shareholders.
The Market Maker award is given to people or groups who are not stockbrokers or listed companies. It goes to those who have helped the capital market grow through strong leadership, new ideas, or actions that support transparency and investor rights.
Otedola became the focus of public and investor attention after buying a large share in FBN Holdings Plc. This led to his appointment as Chairman in 2024. The company is now called First HoldCo Plc. His entry into the boardroom brought change. He pushed for better results and fair treatment of shareholders. Since his leadership began, the company has reported strong earnings and renewed confidence from investors.
As Chairman of Geregu Power Plc, Otedola also helped the company make history. Geregu became the first power company to be listed on the Nigerian Exchange. This move gave more people the chance to invest in the power sector. Since its listing, Geregu’s share price has gone up by more than 1,000 percent. It is now one of the few Nigerian stocks worth over one trillion naira.
Otedola’s work in the business world is not his only contribution. He also plays a role in education and social good. He is the Chancellor of Augustine University and heads the board of the Cuppy Foundation. In addition, he serves as Vice President of Save the Children UK. These roles show his support for better education, healthcare, and child welfare. His efforts match with global goals to create a better and fairer world.
The Nairametrics Capital Market Choice Awards were created to honor people who help grow Nigeria’s capital market. The awards recognize those who bring positive change through leadership, ideas, and a clear sense of purpose. Otedola’s win shows that a private investor can make a big difference in how companies perform and how investors view the market.
His actions have sparked new interest in Nigeria’s financial market. He has shown that good governance and active investment can lead to growth and trust. His success encourages others to take part in the stock market and play a role in shaping the future of Nigeria’s economy.
