By Ghazali Ibrahim
Nigerian music star Oladapo Oyebanjo, popularly known as D’banj, has become the first Nigerian entertainer to ring the closing bell at the London Stock Exchange (LSE).
The award-winning singer announced the milestone in a post on his verified X account, describing the event as a historic moment.
According to D’banj, he was invited to participate in the ceremony as part of activities marking the 125th anniversary of the Royal African Society in London.
“On Wednesday, July 22, history was made. I was invited to the London Stock Exchange to ring the closing bell as we celebrated 125 years of the Royal African Society,” he wrote.
The singer said he was honoured to share the platform with the Prime Minister of St. Kitts and Nevis, Terrance Michael Drew, and Afreximbank President and Royal African Society patron, Prof. Benedict Oramah, among other dignitaries.
The London Stock Exchange’s Market Open and Market Close ceremonies are held to commemorate major milestones, anniversaries, and achievements involving organisations, institutions and companies.
Founded in 1901, the Royal African Society is one of the United Kingdom’s oldest organisations dedicated to promoting knowledge and engagement with Africa through culture, education, business and public policy.
