Babajide Sanwo-Olu, governor of Lagos State, has pledged support for the Chartered Institute of Stockbrokers (CIS) in its drive to establish a ₦5 billion endowment fund aimed at strengthening professional training and capacity development in Nigeria’s capital market.
Sanwo-Olu gave the assurance on Friday, October 23, 2026, when Fiona Ahimie, president and chairman of the council of CIS, led a delegation of the Institute’s principal officers on a courtesy visit to Lagos House, Ikeja.
The governor also called on the Institute to intensify financial literacy campaigns and encourage more Nigerians to participate in the capital market, noting that broader public engagement would be critical to unlocking the market’s potential for wealth creation and inclusive economic development.
Although Nigeria’s capital market has recorded significant growth in recent years, Sanwo-Olu said participation needed to expand beyond existing investors if the market was to play a greater role in mobilising domestic savings and supporting economic prosperity.
He observed that many Nigerians remained unfamiliar with investment opportunities beyond meeting immediate financial needs, highlighting the importance of educating households on savings, investment and long-term wealth creation.
The governor 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 Institute, describing her emergence as a significant milestone. He urged the new council to sustain the Institute’s record in professionalism, public engagement and capacity development.
Earlier, Ahimie disclosed that the CIS was collaborating with the Office of the Vice President on a financial literacy and capital market participation initiative designed to train 10 million Nigerians.
According to her, the programme is expected to improve public understanding of investment opportunities and encourage wider participation, particularly among young Nigerians.
Ahimie said stronger collaboration between government and professional institutions was essential to expanding investment awareness, developing skilled practitioners and deepening the capital market.
The engagement also comes ahead of the Institute’s 30th Annual Conference, scheduled for November 4 and 5 in Lagos, where participants are expected to examine strategies for mobilising capital, advancing economic prosperity and strengthening Nigeria’s global competitiveness.
The conference is expected to provide a platform for discussions on the role of capital markets and financial sector professionals in supporting investment, economic development and Nigeria’s competitiveness in the global economy.
The CIS delegation included Akeem Oyewale and Jude Chiemeka, the Institute’s first and second vice presidents, respectively; Ayorinde Adeonipekun, registrar and chief executive; past presidents; and serving members of the council.
