Yemisi Izuora
The Governor of Lagos State, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has charged the Chartered Institute of Stockbrokers (CIS) to deepen capital market participation, strengthen professional capacity and promote financial literacy among Nigerians.
Governor Sanwo-Olu gave the charge on Friday during a courtesy visit by the principal officers of the Chartered Institute of Stockbrokers, led by its President and Chairman of Council, Dr. Fiona Ahimie, at Lagos House, Ikeja.
He noted that Nigeria’s capital market has recorded significant growth in recent years, commending professionals and investors for their contributions to the development of the sector.
Governor Sanwo-Olu stressed the need to deepen the market through increased public awareness, financial literacy and broader participation, particularly among Nigerians who may not fully understand the opportunities available.
He observed that many people are not familiar with investment opportunities beyond their daily financial needs, calling for deliberate efforts to educate the public on savings, investment and wealth creation.
The Governor, who pledged his administration’s support for the CIS, expressed support for initiatives aimed at expanding financial literacy and developing more professionals to strengthen the capital market.
Governor Sanwo-Olu congratulated Ahimie on her emergence as the first female President of the Chartered Institute of Stockbrokers, describing her appointment as a significant milestone for the professional body.
He expressed confidence in her leadership, urging the new Council to sustain the Institute’s achievements while advancing professionalism, public engagement and capacity development within the capital market.
Governor Sanwo-Olu said Lagos remains committed to supporting professional institutions and economic activities capable of promoting investment, creating jobs and improving opportunities for residents.
He also highlighted the importance of professional expertise in governance, noting that collaboration between public and private sector practitioners could improve institutional effectiveness and strategic development.
Speaking earlier, the President and Chairman of Council of the Chartered Institute of Stockbrokers, Dr. Fiona Ahimie, congratulated Governor Sanwo-Olu on his association with the Institute, noting that his professional background and experience in public service made the engagement particularly significant.
Dr. Ahimie said the Institute’s annual conference, scheduled for November 4 and 5 in Lagos, would provide an opportunity to discuss the development of Nigeria’s capital market and the need to expand financial literacy and investment participation.
She noted that the Institute is collaborating with the Office of the Vice President on initiatives to train 10 million Nigerians in financial literacy and capital market participation.
According to her, the programme is expected to improve public understanding of investment opportunities and encourage more Nigerians, particularly young people, to participate in the capital market.
Ahimie also disclosed that the Institute is working towards establishing a N5 billion endowment fund to support capacity development and professional training.
The visit by the Chartered Institute of Stockbrokers’ leadership underscored the importance of collaboration between the Lagos State Government and professional institutions in advancing financial literacy, investment awareness and economic development.