Fiona Ahimie has taken office as the 14th president of the Chartered Institute of Stockbrokers (CIS). She's also the first woman to lead the professional body.
At her inauguration, Ahimie unveiled an ambitious five-point reform plan for the Institute. Her agenda focuses on strengthening CIS's influence across Nigeria and beyond.
Central to her vision is a N5 billion endowment fund. The money will help young professionals without resources pursue careers in securities and investment.
Akeem Oyewale and Jude Chiemeka were sworn in as First and Second Vice Presidents respectively. Oluropo Dada, the outgoing president, transitioned into the role of Immediate Past President.
Ahimie paid tribute to her predecessor during her address. She called Dada a "remarkable leader, friend, and mentor" whose work strengthened the Institute.
"The relevance of our Institute is not fixed by our past but determined by our collective courage in the present," she told the gathering. According to her, the CIS can expand its reach nationwide.
Her reform agenda includes five key pillars. Enhanced member engagement tops the list, followed by boosting recognition of CIS certifications.
Nationwide membership expansion ranks third on her priorities. Regional integration beyond Nigeria's borders and improved financial sustainability complete the framework.
To boost member involvement, the administration will launch a Member Engagement and Participation Initiative. It aims to increase the visibility of stockbrokers in policy discussions and industry forums.
Ahimie also promised to establish stronger regional structures across Nigeria. Additional district societies will be set up beyond Lagos and Abuja.
The inauguration drew prominent figures from government and finance. Vice President Kashim Shettima was represented by his Special Adviser on Economic Affairs, Tope Fasua.
Ekiti State Governor Abiodun Oyebanji attended the ceremony. Senate Majority Leader Opeyemi Bamidele also sent goodwill messages.
Minister of Women Affairs Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim commended the Institute's commitment to gender inclusion. She expressed confidence in Ahimie's leadership abilities.
Securities and Exchange Commission Director-General Emomotimi Agama was present at the event. Former NGX Group chief Ndi Okereke-Onyuike also graced the occasion.
Other dignitaries included Senate Committee on Capital Market chairman Osita Izunaso. Association of Securities Dealing Houses chairman Sehinde Adenagbe attended as well.
Traditional rulers and captains of industry joined the celebration. Many guests expressed optimism about the Institute's direction under new leadership.
