The President and Chairman of Council of the Chartered Institute of Stockbrokers (CIS), Dr. Fiona Ahimie, has unveiled an ambitious reform agenda aimed at repositioning the Institute as a stronger force in Nigeria’s capital market.
A key feature of her vision is the establishment of a ₦5 billion endowment fund to support the next generation of securities and investment professionals.
Dr. Ahimie formally assumed office during the Institute’s investiture ceremony held on Thursday. The event also featured the swearing-in of Dr. Akeem Oyewale as First Vice President and Mr. Jude Chiemeka as Second Vice President. The outgoing President, Mr. Oluropo Dada, officially assumed the position of Immediate Past President (IPP).
₦5 Billion Endowment Fund
One of the major highlights of the inauguration was the announcement of the proposed ₦5 billion CIS Endowment Fund.
The initiative is designed to provide financial support to talented young Nigerians who aspire to build careers in the securities and investment industry but lack the financial resources to pursue their ambitions.
According to Dr. Ahimie, the fund demonstrates the Institute’s commitment to developing future professionals and ensuring that financial constraints do not prevent deserving individuals from contributing to Nigeria’s capital market.
Building on Past Achievements
The new CIS President pledged to build on the achievements of previous administrations while positioning the Institute as a strategic driver of capital market development and Nigeria’s economic transformation.
She paid glowing tribute to her predecessor, Mr. Oluropo Dada, describing him as “a remarkable leader, friend and mentor.”
According to her, his administration strengthened collaboration among the Institute’s leadership and significantly enhanced its national profile.
“The relevance of our Institute is not fixed by our past but determined by our collective courage in the present,” she said.
“We can and will strengthen our Institute, deepen participation in our profession, and expand across this nation.”
Five-Point Reform Agenda
Dr. Ahimie unveiled a comprehensive five-point agenda that will guide her administration.
The agenda focuses on:
- strengthening member engagement;
- increasing recognition of CIS professional certifications;
- expanding membership across Nigeria;
- extending the Institute’s influence across Africa; and
- improving financial sustainability.
As part of the first pillar, she announced plans to launch a Member Engagement and Participation Initiative.
The programme is expected to increase the visibility of stockbrokers and investment professionals through industry conferences, policy discussions, regulatory engagements and strategic stakeholder forums.
Nationwide Expansion
The President also announced plans to strengthen the Institute’s presence beyond Lagos and Abuja.
She said the administration would establish additional district societies and reinforce regional structures to encourage broader participation across the country.
Dr. Ahimie added that her administration would deepen regional integration by expanding the Institute’s influence across Africa.
She noted that the move would position the Chartered Institute of Stockbrokers as a leading professional body within the continent’s capital market ecosystem.
Dignitaries Endorse New Leadership
The investiture ceremony attracted a distinguished gathering of government officials, regulators, financial market operators, traditional rulers and captains of industry.
Many of the dignitaries commended the Institute’s commitment to professional excellence, leadership development and gender inclusion.
Several speakers also expressed confidence in Dr. Ahimie’s leadership and her vision for the future of the Institute.
Among those who delivered goodwill messages were the Vice President of Nigeria, Senator Kashim Shettima, represented by the Special Adviser to the President on Economic Affairs, Dr. Tope Fasua; Ekiti State Governor Abiodun Oyebanji; Senate Majority Leader Senator Opeyemi Bamidele; Minister of Women Affairs and Social Development Hajiya Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim; Chairman of the Senate Committee on Capital Market and Institutions Senator Osita Izunaso; Chairperson of the Better Life Programme Aisha Babangida; Director-General of the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), Dr. Emomotimi Agama; and former Director-General of the Nigerian Stock Exchange, now NGX Group, Professor Ndi Okereke-Onyuike.
Stakeholders Express Confidence
Stakeholders at the ceremony described Dr. Ahimie’s reform agenda as bold and forward-looking.
They said the proposed initiatives would strengthen professional standards, expand access to opportunities within the capital market and reinforce the Chartered Institute of Stockbrokers’ role in supporting sustainable economic growth and investment development in Nigeria.
With a clear vision, strategic reforms and a commitment to developing future professionals, the new CIS President has set the stage for a new era of growth for the Institute and Nigeria’s capital market.
