By Chinenye Anuforo
The President, Chartered Institute of Stockbrokers (CIS), Mr. Oluwaseyi Abe, has assured stockbrokers that the future of their profession remains bright as Nigeria’s capital market has potential to wax stronger.
Abe, who closed the market on Tuesday by sounding the symbolic gong, addressed the teeming stockbrokers after the anniversary procession that lasted about one hour.
He urged them to maintain the tenets of integrity and the saying that “my word is my bond” to sustain a culture of transparency for enhanced investor confidence in the market.
Abe noted that the institute, like the capital market, had undergone series of challenges, saying, “City Gentlemen, I congratulate you all on the 25th anniversary of our institute. We started in 1992 as a prestigious group that was the envy of all. CIS and its members have weathered the storms and vicissitudes of the market over the years.
“We have demonstrated resilience and strong mental character in navigating through the tough times. CIS has put a robust plan in place to ensure that the good times are back again for stockbrokers. The future of our profession is assured as our market is not only resilient but Nigeria’s economy is on the speedy lane of recovery.
“We have won the trust and confidence of the government and major players in corporate Nigeria, as evidenced by the national workshop, presidential investiture, and now the Honorary Fellowship Awards, which our institute shall bestow on some eminent Nigerians soon. We have every reason to raise our heads high as members of this great institute.
“We thank you all for your unflinching support. However, we must sustain investor confidence through our continuous adherence to ethical standard that would enhance integrity and our word should always be our bond,” Abe said.
The Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE)’s Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Oscar Onyema, who welcomed the institute’s principal officers at a courtesy visit earlier in the day commended them for taking the organisation to greater height.
Onyema advised the institute to further breakdown its professional examinations to attract more members as many people would love to be members of the organisation. As part of the commemoration of its Silver Jubilee, the institute has approved honorary membership for General Yakubu Gowon, Chief Olusegun Obasanjp, General Ibrahim Babangida and Alhaji Aliko Dangote. They shall be honoured on the basis of their contributions to the growth and development of the capital market over the years.
On the trading floor, the doyen of the day, Mr. Sam Ndata, assured the CIS management of stockbrokers’ support at all times.
Meanwhile, there will be a novelty football match between the senior stockbrokers called the Fellows of the Institute and the younger ones called, Associate as part of activities lined up for the 25th anniversary, while the senior brokers would pay a courtesy visit to the Lagos State Governor, Akinwumi Ambode.
The institute’s 2017 annual conference comes up on Thursday in Lagos where eminent personalities and professionals globally shall grace the occasion.