Victor Ezeja
Nigerian Exchange Group Plc (NGX Group), working with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and other market operators, hosted some exciting events during the International Organisation of Securities Commissions (IOSCO) World Investor Week, which was held from October 7 to 13, 2024.
The event’s goal was to empower retail investors and promote financial literacy.
Join our WhatsApp ChannelIn line with the 2024 topic of “Technology, Digital Finance, and Sustainable Finance,” these events emphasized the growing significance of sustainability and technology in contemporary finance.
The Financial Literacy Technical Committee of SEC and NGX Group organized a financial literacy session at Pan-Atlantic University in Lagos to start off the week. Hundreds of students eager to learn about the basics of investing attended the event, which set the stage for a series of meaningful interactions meant to provide attendees the information they need to make wise financial decisions.
After the seminar, industry professionals offered useful insights into capital market strategies during the NGX Retail Investor Clinic. The week’s activities came to a head with the symbolic “Ring the Bell for Financial Literacy,” which highlighted the continuous efforts to empower and educate regular investors by utilizing the NGX Closing Gong Ceremony. There were more than 200 attendees, including officials from organizations like GFA Technologies, the University of Lagos, and the Nigerian Higher Education Foundation.
Dr. Emomotimi Agama, Director-General of SEC, highlighted the importance of investor protection and regulatory oversight in fostering trust. “Our mission is to safeguard investor interests while promoting informed participation,” he emphasized.
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GMD/CEO of NGX Group, Temi Popoola, who spoke on behalf of Alhaji Umaru Kwairanga, Group Chairman of NGX Group, emphasised the Group’s leadership in using technology to drive sustainable finance and innovation. Jude Chiemeka, CEO of NGX, reiterated the importance of investor education, stating, “By equipping individuals with the right tools, we’re building a more secure and resilient investment ecosystem.”
Other notable contributions included remarks from Femi Shobanjo, CEO of NGX RegCo, on the Exchange’s self-regulatory mandate, and Adedayo Hamzat, GMD of Zedcrest Group, who advocated for technology-driven portfolio diversification. Abimbola Babalola, Head of Trading and Products at NGX, shared insights on leveraging research and technology for smarter investing, while Dabota Ordor, Head of Retail and Digital Services at United Capital Securities, provided strategies for financial planning, budgeting, and risk management to mitigate market risks.
The Ring the Bell for Financial Literacy ceremony at NGX brought together SEC officials, market leaders, and key stakeholders in a joint commitment to advancing financial literacy. The week-long activities, executed in collaboration with partners such as United Capital Securities, Zedcrest Group, the Chartered Institute of Stockbrokers (CIS), and the Association of Securities Dealing Houses of Nigeria (ASHON), demonstrated a collective effort to create a more informed, resilient, and empowered retail investor community.
Victor Ezeja is a passionate journalist with seven years of experience writing on economy, politics and energy. He holds a Master's degree in Mass Communication.
