Yemisi Izuora
The Securities & Exchange Commission (SEC) in a move to enhance the ongoing efforts towards enlightening the investing public with a special focus on retail investors has penetrated Lagos with another round of sensitization on e-Dividend Registration which is currently on-going in the country.
In a colourful convoy adorned with side attractions that started at the commission zonal office the convoy moved through major streets on the Island up to Lekki and Ajah.
Speaking during the programme at Ajah Market the Head of Department (HOD) Market Development of SEC Mr Henry Rowlands speaks on the need for investors to key into the programme.
He explained that the e-dividend registration is one of the key initiatives being anchored by SEC to ensure dynamic and transparent market that is capable of responding to the socio-economic aspiration of the nation at this difficult time.
As part of efforts aimed at implementing the Ten (10) year Capital Market Master Plan, the e-dividend is targeted to eradicating the difficulty encountered by investors.
The Electronic payment regime will bring about timely receipt of dividend by investors as well as give clear understanding of how well the companies are performing
Market women and men have shown great enthusiasm on the programme and lauded the Commission’s new engagement scheme of engaging the common man on the street.
Mr Adeniyi Bello a trader at Oyingbo Market expressed delight on the commission’s interface, saying “this is a welcome strategy because we have all given up on our dividends long time ago but with this information SEC has given us hope, one have to run to his Bank”
As part of the 4 –day event a Town Hall enlightenment forum on the e-dividend registration will on Thursday the 11th of February 2016 hold at the Muson Centre, Onikan Lagos.
In addition to creating awareness of the e-dividend initiative the forum also aimed at addressingall questions that investors may have on the registration exercise.
The forum is expected to be attended by all stakeholders including regulators both in the capital and money markets, market operators and the general public.