CIS president unveils reform agenda

The newly inaugurated 14th President and Chairman of Council of the Chartered Institute of Stockbrokers, who is also its first female president, Dr Fiona Ahimie, has unveiled an ambitious reform agenda.

The strategy is aimed at strengthening the institute’s influence, expanding its national and regional footprint, enhancing the recognition of its professional qualifications, and establishing a N5bn endowment fund to support the next generation of capital market professionals.

Also sworn in at the event were the First and Second Vice Presidents, Dr Akeem Oyewale and Mr Jude Chiemeka, respectively, while the outgoing President, Mr Oluropo Dada, assumed the position of Immediate Past President.

A key highlight of Ahimie’s inaugural address was the proposed N5bn CIS Endowment Fund, designed to support talented young professionals who lack the financial resources to pursue careers in the securities and investment industry.

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 broader economic transformation.

Ahimie paid tribute to her predecessor, Mr Dada, describing him as a remarkable leader, friend, and mentor whose tenure strengthened collaboration among principal officers and elevated the institute’s profile.

She said, “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.”

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The President outlined a five-point agenda centred on enhanced member engagement, increased recognition of CIS certifications, nationwide membership expansion, regional integration beyond Nigeria’s borders and improved financial sustainability.

As part of the first pillar, the administration plans to launch a Member Engagement and Participation Initiative aimed at increasing the visibility and involvement of stockbrokers and investment professionals in industry forums, policy discussions, and stakeholder engagements.

To promote greater national inclusion, Ahimie also announced plans to expand the institute’s presence beyond Lagos and Abuja through stronger regional structures and the establishment of additional district societies across the country.

The historic inauguration attracted dignitaries from government, the private sector and the financial services industry, many of whom commended the institute’s commitment to gender inclusion and expressed confidence in Ahimie’s leadership.

Among those who delivered goodwill messages were Vice President Kashim Shettima, represented by the Special Adviser to the President on Economic Affairs, Dr Tope Fasua; the Governor of Ekiti State, Abiodun Oyebanji; and Senate Majority Leader, Opeyemi Bamidele.

Other dignitaries included the 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; and the Director-General of the Securities and Exchange Commission, Dr Emomotimi Agama.

The event also had in attendance the former Director-General of The Nigerian Stock Exchange, Professor Ndi Okereke-Onyuike, and the Chairman of the Association of Securities Dealing Houses of Nigeria, Mr Sehinde Adenagbe, alongside captains of industry and traditional rulers.