The Chartered Institute of Stockbrokers (CIS) has unveiled plans to raise a ₦5 billion endowment fund to develop young investment professionals and strengthen Nigeria’s capital market as part of efforts to position the country as a globally competitive investment destination.
The initiative was announced by Dr. Fiona Ahimie, the newly inaugurated President of the Institute, who said the fund would provide financial support to talented young Nigerians seeking careers in the securities and investment industry but lacking the resources to obtain professional qualifications.
Ahimie, who made history as the first female President of the Institute, said the endowment fund forms part of a broader reform agenda aimed at strengthening the CIS, expanding its national and regional presence, and enhancing the recognition of its professional certifications.
She pledged to build on the achievements of previous administrations while positioning the Institute as a key driver of capital market development and Nigeria’s economic transformation.
The 14th President of the CIS unveiled a five-point strategic agenda focused on increasing member engagement, boosting the recognition of CIS qualifications, expanding membership across Nigeria, strengthening regional integration beyond the country’s borders, and improving the Institute’s financial sustainability.
According to her, the Institute will launch a member engagement initiative designed to increase the visibility and participation of stockbrokers and investment professionals in policy discussions, industry forums and stakeholder engagements.
She also announced plans to deepen the Institute’s presence outside Lagos and Abuja through stronger regional structures and the establishment of additional district societies across the country.
“The relevance of our Institute is not fixed by our past but determined by our collective courage in the present. We can and will strengthen our Institute, deepen participation in our profession, and expand across this nation,” Ahimie said.
The new President paid tribute to her predecessor, Mr. Oluropo Dada, describing him as a visionary leader whose tenure strengthened collaboration within the Institute and elevated its profile in the financial services industry.
Also inaugurated were the First Vice President, Dr. Akeem Oyewale, and the Second Vice President, Mr. Jude Chiemeka, while Dada formally assumed the position of Immediate Past President.
The inauguration attracted senior government officials, regulators and leaders of Nigeria’s financial services industry, who commended the Institute’s commitment to gender inclusion and expressed confidence in Ahimie’s leadership.
Among those represented or in attendance were Vice President Kashim Shettima, represented by the Special Adviser to the President on Economic Affairs, Dr. Tope Fasua; Ekiti State Governor Abiodun Oyebanji; Senate Majority Leader Opeyemi Bamidele; Minister of Women Affairs and Social Development, Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim; Chairman of the Senate Committee on Capital Market and Institutions, Senator Osita Izunaso; Director-General of the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), Dr. Emomotimi Agama; former Director-General of the Nigerian Stock Exchange, Prof. Ndi Okereke-Onyuike; and Chairman of the Association of Securities Dealing Houses of Nigeria (ASHON), Sehinde Adenagbe.
The ₦5 billion endowment fund is expected to strengthen the pipeline of skilled professionals entering Nigeria’s capital market while reinforcing the Institute’s role in promoting ethical standards, professional excellence and sustainable growth within the country’s investment ecosystem.
