Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has urged the Chartered Institute of Stockbrokers (CIS) to expand financial literacy, increase public participation in the capital market and strengthen professional training across Nigeria.
Sanwo-Olu gave the charge on Friday while receiving the institute’s principal officers, led by its President and Chairman of Council, Dr Fiona Ahimie, at Lagos House, Ikeja.
The governor said wider public awareness would help more Nigerians understand investment opportunities and make informed decisions about savings, wealth creation and financial planning.
Sanwo-Olu Backs Financial Literacy Drive
Sanwo-Olu noted that Nigeria’s capital market had recorded growth in recent years, crediting professionals and investors for helping develop the sector.
However, he said many Nigerians remained unfamiliar with investment opportunities beyond their everyday financial needs.
He called on the CIS to intensify public education and encourage more people to participate in the market.
The governor also pledged his administration’s support for initiatives aimed at improving financial literacy and training professionals to meet the sector’s needs.
Governor Congratulates First Female CIS President
Sanwo-Olu congratulated Ahimie on becoming the first female president of the Chartered Institute of Stockbrokers.
He described her emergence as an important milestone for the professional body and expressed confidence in her leadership.
He urged the institute’s new council to build on previous achievements while promoting professional standards, public engagement and skills development.
Sanwo-Olu added that Lagos would continue to support professional organisations and economic activities that attract investment, create jobs and improve opportunities for residents.
He also stressed the value of collaboration between public officials and private-sector professionals in strengthening institutions and improving development planning.
CIS Plans Financial Literacy Programme for 10 Million Nigerians
Speaking during the visit, Ahimie said the institute’s annual conference would hold in Lagos on November 4 and 5. She said the event would address capital market development, financial literacy and ways to increase investment participation.
Ahimie also disclosed that the CIS was collaborating with the Office of the Vice President on a programme designed to train 10 million Nigerians in financial literacy and capital market participation.
She said the initiative aimed to improve public understanding of investment opportunities and encourage greater participation, particularly among young people.
The institute is also working towards establishing a ₦5 billion endowment fund to support professional training and capacity development.
The meeting highlighted the role of cooperation between the Lagos State Government and professional institutions in promoting investment awareness and strengthening Nigeria’s capital market.