馃嚦馃嚞NigeriaWest Africa
CSCS approves first mid-year dividend of N1 per share after strong financial performance
via Punch Nigeria10 min read
The Central Securities Clearing System Plc Board of Directors has approved an interim dividend of N1 per ordinary share for the six months ending June 30, 2026. This marks the first mid-year dividend payment in the company's history. The decision follows a record-breaking financial performance in the first half of the year, characterized by robust top-line growth and operational efficiency. The N1 interim dividend represents 56 percent of the total N1.78 per share dividend paid for the entire 2025 financial year. CSCS reported a 92 percent surge in total operating income, reaching N18.51 billion for the period, driven by increased capital market activity and expansion across various services. Operating profit jumped 186 percent to N10.11 billion, and profit before tax grew 115 percent to N13.21 billion. Earnings per share rose to 190.1k from 109.1k in the corresponding period of 2025. The Chairman, CSCS Plc, Temi Popoola, stated that the dividend reflects confidence in the company's financial strength and strategic direction, attributing performance to stronger market activity, operational efficiency, cost management, and revenue diversification. Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, CSCS Plc, Shehu Shantali, highlighted the strength of CSCS's business model and dedication of its people, emphasizing continued investment in technology and innovation to support Nigeria's capital market.
Free daily or weekly digest of the most important stories from across 18 African countries. No spam, unsubscribe any time.
This summary was AI-generated from a story originally published by Punch Nigeria.
Governor Peter Mbah of Enugu State welcomed 13-year-old Chimdiebube Onwubiko Victor, an International STEM Olympiad champion, after his performance at the 2026 International STEM Olympiad in Rome, Italy. Chimdiebube secured a gold medal in Mathematics and a silver medal in Science. Governor Mbah announced this on social media, highlighting the achievement as a proud moment for Enugu State and Nigeria. He commended Chimdiebube, his Mathematics teacher Chisom Unachukwu, and Evergreen Schools for nurturing the young talent. The governor reiterated his administration's dedication to enhancing education through the Smart Green Schools initiative, aiming to provide opportunities for children in Enugu to realize their potential. Chimdiebube was one of three Nigerian students who excelled at the Olympiad, which took place from July 2 to 8 and featured participants from over 150 countries. Other Nigerian medalists included Don Anele Munachimso Marvelous, who won double gold in Mathematics and Science and was named the World's Best in Science, and 11-year-old Egejurum Onyedikachi Ethan, who won gold in Mathematics and was recognized as the World's Best in Primary Mathematics.
Troops of Operation HADIN KAI, Sector 2, successfully thwarted an extortion attempt by Boko Haram/Islamic State West Africa Province in Yobe State. Acting on intelligence, soldiers from Forward Operating Base Bukarti and 27 Task Force Brigade engaged terrorists attempting to collect illegal levies from residents in the Paya Kafiya area on July 19, 2026. During the confrontation, one terrorist was killed, and a Volkswagen Golf vehicle was immobilized. Four other terrorists fled with gunshot wounds. Follow-up operations on July 20 along the Paya Kafiya-Garin Gada axis led to the recovery of the abandoned vehicle and various items, including 25 rounds of belted PKT ammunition, a loaded AK-47 magazine, 15 empty PKT ammunition cases, assorted drugs, and mechanical tools. According to Captain Mohammed Goni, Acting Military Information Officer, Headquarters Joint Task Force North East Operation HADIN KAI, this operation disrupted a suspected funding source for the terrorists and demonstrated the effectiveness of intelligence-led operations.
Must ReadPlateau State Governor Caleb Mutfwang has apologized to the Igbo community for the state's involvement in the Nigerian Civil War, stating that the people of Plateau were "deceived" into participating. During an interactive session with Igbo leaders, Governor Mutfwang urged both sides to move past the conflict and strengthen unity. He commended the Igbo community for their contributions to Plateau State's socio-economic development, describing them as integral to the state's growth. The governor noted that Plateau has been accommodating to the Igbo people since the war and mentioned that compensation had been paid for some losses. He appealed to Igbo entrepreneurs in Plateau State to support indigenous businesses by creating opportunities for young people through mentorship and investment. In response, leaders of the Igbo community, including President-General Chief Chidi Onah, endorsed Governor Mutfwang for a second term in the 2027 governorship election, citing his inclusive leadership, prudent resource management, and commitment to peaceful coexistence. Former President-General of the Igbo Community Association, Mike Okunonke, emphasized that their support was based on the governor's performance. The governor's Special Adviser on Igbo Affairs, Barr. Jonah Okechukwu Ezekweme, also urged support for Mutfwang's re-election bid. The meeting concluded with both the Plateau State Government and the Igbo community reaffirming their commitment to peaceful coexistence and collaborat