GTBank’s 2019 AGM to hold by proxy amid Coronavirus scare

The management of Guaranty Trust Bank Plc (GTBank) plc has announced plans to hold its 2019 audited result and accounts Annual General Meeting on Monday by proxy.

The Company Secretary, GTBank, Erhi Obebeduo in a statement to shareholders and Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) on Wednesday said, “Kindly be informed that GTBank had published the Notice of its 30th Annual General Meeting (AGM) which is scheduled to hold on March 30, 2020.“Following the publication of the said Notice of the AGM, the Company is not unaware of the health hazards arising from the COVID-19 pandemic, which could be exacerbated by public gatherings. As a result of the said pandemic, there have been global directives to adopt social distancing measures, leading to National and State Governments placing restrictions on public gatherings, meetings and movements. Lagos State, which is the venue of the Company’s AGM, has issued directives banning public gatherings of more than 25 people.

“We are pleased to inform you that the Corporate Affairs Commission has graciously approved that the AGM should hold with ATTENDANCE BY PROXY to minimize social contact. To this end, Shareholders are encouraged to appoint proxies to represent them at the meeting, as the Company would abide by the Lagos State Government directive of not having more than 25 people in a gathering (or any other number as may be permitted at the date of the meeting).

“Thus, as a law-abiding corporate citizen, the number of people that would be allowed into the venue of the AGM will be restricted to the number the Lagos State Government permits for social/public gatherings as at the date of the Meeting.Kindly note that the measures above take into consideration the provisions on quorum for the meeting, as a quorum can be achieved either by physical attendance or by proxy.”

He explained further that shareholders are advised to appoint proxies and send the duly completed proxy form(s) to the Registrar, Datamax Registrars Limited, No. 2c, Gbagada Express Road, Gbagada Phase 1, Lagos State, or via email to datamax@datamaxregistrars.com, not less than 48 hours before March 30, 2020.

“The AGM would also be streamed live on the Bank’s website and Shareholders are encouraged to log in to observe proceedings.

“The Shareholders who are able to attend the AGM would be properly screened at the security points and be required to undergo safety/health measures as directed by the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and the Lagos State Ministry of Health”, the statement added.