By Ayomide Otitoju
Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu on Friday urged the Chartered Institute of Stockbrokers (CIS) to broaden participation in Nigeria’s capital market, build professional capacity and drive financial literacy nationwide.
Sanwo-Olu issued the charge at Lagos House, Ikeja, while receiving CIS principal officers led by the Institute’s President and Chairman of Council, Dr. Fiona Ahimie, during a courtesy visit.
The governor said Nigeria’s capital market had grown markedly in recent years and credited professionals and investors for the gains. But he argued that too few Nigerians understand the opportunities beyond meeting daily expenses, and he called for deliberate public education on savings, investment and wealth creation.
“Many people are not familiar with investment opportunities beyond their daily financial needs,” he said, pressing for wider awareness and broader market access.
Sanwo-Olu pledged his administration’s backing for CIS initiatives that expand financial literacy and train more professionals. He said Lagos remained committed to supporting institutions and economic activity that attract investment, create jobs and widen opportunities for residents, and he pointed to collaboration between public and private sector practitioners as a route to stronger governance.
He also congratulated Ahimie on becoming the first female President of CIS, calling the appointment a milestone for the body. He voiced confidence in her leadership and urged the new Council to sustain the Institute’s record while advancing professionalism and public engagement.
In her remarks, Ahimie congratulated Sanwo-Olu on his association with the Institute, saying his professional background and public-service experience made the engagement significant.
She said the Institute’s annual conference, set for November 4 and 5 in Lagos, would address the market’s development and the need to widen financial literacy and investment participation.
Ahimie disclosed that CIS is working with the Office of the Vice President on a programme to train 10 million Nigerians in financial literacy and capital market participation, an effort she said would deepen public understanding of investment and draw in more young people. She added that the Institute is also raising a N5 billion endowment fund to support capacity development and professional training.
The visit highlighted growing cooperation between the Lagos State Government and professional institutions on financial literacy, investment awareness and economic development.
