The Ekiti State Government and the Chartered Institute of Stockbrokers (CIS) have agreed to collaborate in capacity building on financial intelligence for top-level government officials in line with the Institute’s financial literacy programme.
Besides, plans are underway to introduce a Bachelor’s Degree Programme in Securities and Investment at Ekiti State University, Ado Ekiti, as part of the plan to attract youths into the Nigerian financial market.
In his address at the Ekiti State Government House, the 13th President and Chairman of Council, CIS, Oluropo Dada, explained that the Institute could train the State’s top civil servant on financial intelligence.
Dada also noted that as part of the strategy to attract youths into the Nigerian financial market, Ekiti State University should introduce a bachelor’s degree in securities and investment in the state universities to build a solid foundation of investment for the youths.
“The leadership of the Institute identifies with the various fiscal reforms, initiatives, policies and ongoing infrastructural developments of the government, and this courtesy visit is part of our effort to explore areas of collaboration and strategic partnership that will further enhance the economic growth of the state.
“We can collaborate to organise regular financial literacy programmes for all government workers. The training will focus on finance, securities and investment opportunities for civil servants within the state.
“We also have the capacity to organise specially designed training for top government officials and senior executives of ministries, departments, agencies, corporations and parastatals in the areas of treasury to enhance their skills.
“We request government sponsorship of at least 1000 indigenous students of Ekiti in all the tertiary institutions in Ekiti state to write the Institute’s professional diploma examination as a pathway to the Institute’s professional examinations.
“An executive order can be issued for the inclusion of CIS professional qualifications in the state civil service scheme, including onboarding of the B.Sc. Securities and Investment degree programme as one of the courses in all Ekiti state-owned tertiary institutions to boost more students’ enrolment and revenue generation for the institution,” Dada said.
Responding, Governor Biodun Oyebanji, who expressed gratitude to the Institute’s Council Member for the interest in the development of Ekiti State, assured them of the state’s willingness to collaborate in all the areas of request.
“Our government appreciates the role of the capital market in the development of any economy. We have raised long-term funds from the market in the past for development projects, and the projects are doing well today. We shall deepen our relationship with the Chartered Institute of Stockbrokers.
“We are willing to collaborate in the training of government workers in financial intelligence to equip them with basic tools to manage resources after retirement.
“We will also partner in the onboarding of the Bachelor’s Degree Programme in Securities and Investment in the state-owned tertiary institutions and other areas of supporting Ekiti indigenes, particularly the youths in the acquisition of professional qualifications of the Institute,” Oyebanji asserted.
The CIS President was accompanied by the other council members: 1st Vice President. Fiona Ahimie, 2nd Vice President. Dr Akeem Oyewale, Registrar and Chief Executive, Ayorinde Adeonipekun, two past Presidents – Oluwaseyi Abe and Tunde Amolegbe – and other members.
Among the Governor’s Team were the Chief of Staff, Niyi Adebayo; Commissioner for Trade, Industry, Investment and Cooperatives, Omolayo Adeola; and her counterpart in the Ministry of Finance and Economic Development. Akin Oyebode, Director General, Ekiti State Development and Investment Promotion, Lolade Olutola, General Manager/CEO, Fountain Holdings; Adetunji Tolani; and the Chief Press Secretary, Olayinka Oyebode.
