Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has pledged support for the Chartered Institute of Stockbrokers as it works to establish a N5 billion endowment fund to strengthen professional training and capacity development in Nigeria's capital market. Sanwo-Olu gave the assurance on October 23, 2026, when the Institute's President and Chairman of Council, Fiona Ahimie, led senior officials on a visit to Lagos House, Ikeja. The delegation included the Institute's First and Second Vice Presidents, Akeem Oyewale and Jude Chiemeka, as well as the Registrar and Chief Executive, Ayorinde Adeonipekun, along with past presidents and serving Council members.
The Governor urged the Institute to deepen capital market participation and intensify financial literacy campaigns to equip more Nigerians with knowledge to make informed investment decisions. While acknowledging that Nigeria's capital market had recorded significant growth in recent years, Sanwo-Olu stressed that wider public participation remained essential to unlocking its potential for wealth creation and inclusive economic development. He noted that many Nigerians remained unfamiliar with investment opportunities beyond their immediate financial needs, underscoring the importance of public education on savings, investment and wealth creation. Sanwo-Olu expressed his administration's readiness to support initiatives that promote financial literacy and develop the professional expertise required to strengthen the capital market.
The Governor also congratulated Ahimie on becoming 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. 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.
The Institute's 30th Annual Conference, scheduled for November 4 and 5 in Lagos, will explore strategies for mobilising capital, advancing economic prosperity and strengthening Nigeria's global competitiveness. Ahimie emphasised that 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.