Lagos State Governor, Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has pledged support for the Chartered Institute of Stockbrokers (CIS) as the Institute works towards establishing a ₦5 billion endowment fund to strengthen professional training and capacity development in Nigeria’s capital market.
The Governor gave the assurance on Friday, October 23rd, 2026, when the Institute’s President and Chairman of Council, Dr Fiona Ahimie, led a delegation of principal officers on a courtesy visit to Lagos House, Ikeja.
Ahimie was accompanied by the Institute’s First and Second Vice Presidents, Dr Akeem Oyewale and Jude Chiemeka, respectively; the Registrar and Chief Executive, Ayorinde Adeonipekun; some past presidents; and serving members of the Council.
The Governor also charged the Institute to deepen capital market participation and intensify financial literacy campaigns to equip more Nigerians with the knowledge to make informed investment decisions.
He noted that although the Nigerian capital market had recorded significant growth in recent years, wider public participation remained essential to unlocking its potential for wealth creation and inclusive economic development.
Sanwo-Olu observed that many Nigerians remained unfamiliar with investment opportunities beyond their immediate financial needs, stressing the importance of educating the public on savings, investment and wealth creation.
He said his administration is ready to support initiatives that promote financial literacy and build the professional expertise needed to strengthen the capital market.
The Governor also congratulated Ahimie on becoming the first female president of the CIS, calling her appointment a significant milestone for the Institute. He urged the new Council to sustain its achievements in professionalism, public engagement and capacity development.
Earlier, Ahimie disclosed that the Institute was collaborating with the Office of the Vice President on an initiative 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 broader participation, particularly among young Nigerians.
She said the Institute’s 30th Annual Conference, scheduled for November 4 and 5 in Lagos, would explore strategies to mobilise capital, advance economic prosperity, and strengthen Nigeria’s global competitiveness.
Ahimie said stronger collaboration between the government and professional institutions was crucial to expanding investment awareness, developing skilled practitioners and deepening the capital market.
The engagement underscored the importance of professional development and financial education in building a more inclusive capital market and expanding Nigerians’ access to investment opportunities.
