Sanwo-Olu supports stockbrokers’ drive for N5bn fund

File photo: Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State

Lagos State Governor, Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has pledged support for the Chartered Institute of Stockbrokers as the institute works towards establishing a N5bn endowment fund to strengthen professional training and capacity development in Nigeria’s capital market.

Sanwo-Olu gave the assurance 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 on Friday, 23 October 2026. 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 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 expressed his administration’s readiness to support initiatives that promote financial literacy and develop the professional expertise required to strengthen the capital market.

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The governor also congratulated Ahimie on her emergence as the first female president of the CIS, describing her appointment as “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. “The programme is expected to improve public understanding of investment opportunities and encourage broader participation, particularly among young Nigerians,” she stated.

She noted that the institute’s 30th Annual Conference, scheduled for 4 and 5 November in Lagos, would explore strategies for mobilising capital, advancing economic prosperity, and strengthening Nigeria’s global competitiveness. “Stronger collaboration between the government and professional institutions is crucial to expanding investment awareness, developing skilled practitioners, and deepening the capital market,” Ahimie added.

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.