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In a significant moment that showcased Nigeria’s business potential before the international investment community, the Executive Vice Chairman of Zotmann International Limited and Zotmann Mining Limited, Victor Nwokeji yesterday rang the market’s Closing Bell to mark the end of the trading session of the London Stock Exchange.
Nwokeji’s participation in the prestigious ceremony at the London Stock Exchange, which is one of the world’s leading financial markets, provided an opportunity to highlight the immense business, investment and natural resource potential of Nigeria and the wider African continent.
The Closing Bell ceremony is a symbolic tradition at the London Stock Exchange, marking the conclusion of the trading session while providing companies, entrepreneurs and business leaders with a platform to celebrate milestones and strengthen their engagement with the global financial community.
Speaking during the event, Nwokeji described the opportunity to ring the Closing Bell as a great honour, stressing that the occasion carried a significant message about the place of African businesses in the global economy.
According to him, “It is a great honour to stand here today and ring the Closing Bell at the London Stock Exchange, as Executive Vice Chairman of Zotmann International Limited and Zotmann Mining Limited, and as an African businessman who believes deeply in the enormous potential of our continent.
The ceremony, he said demonstrated that African businesses have a place at the table where global capital meets global opportunities.
“This moment carries a powerful message: African businesses belong where global capital meets global opportunity. Zotmann was committed to building responsible and sustainable mining companies capable of creating jobs, developing skills, strengthening industries and delivering lasting value to shareholders, host communities and the wider economy.
Nwokeji stressed that ambition must be matched with action, noting that sustainable business growth requires transparency, sound corporate governance, credible geological evidence, responsible operations and respect for host communities.
The Zotmann executive Vice Chairman further explained that the company’s commitment to Africa’s future extends beyond the mineral resources beneath the continent’s soil, but also encompasses investment in people and the creation of opportunities for inclusive economic growth.
He highlighted Zotmann’s partnership with FLAIR Global Summit in supporting initiatives aimed at empowering women and girls, stressing that meaningful economic transformation could not be achieved if a significant segment of society was left behind.
“Our commitment to Africa’s future extends beyond the resources beneath our soil. It includes investing in people and creating opportunities for inclusive growth,” Nwokeji said.
“This is why we are proud to partner with FLAIR Global Summit in supporting initiatives that empower women and girls. We believe that no meaningful economic transformation can be achieved when a significant part of society is left behind.”
Addressing London’s investment community, Nwokeji called for deeper engagement with African businesses, urging investors to visit African markets, examine projects, assess available data and evaluate opportunities based on governance, project quality and performance.
He also challenged African entrepreneurs to raise their standards and build businesses capable of attracting and sustaining the confidence of international investors.
Nwokeji said the Closing Bell should serve as a signal for stronger relationships between Africa and the international investment community, particularly through deeper partnerships, increased investment and greater collaboration.
“Africa has the resources. Africa has the talent. Africa has the ambition. Together, with responsible investment, strong partnerships and unwavering commitment, we can transform these advantages into sustainable growth and lasting prosperity.”
