Ekiti: The Ekiti State Government has expressed its readiness to partner with the Chartered Institute of Stockbrokers (CIS) to enhance capacity building on financial intelligence for top-level government officials. This initiative aligns with the institute's financial literacy programme and follows plans to introduce a Bachelor's Degree programme in Securities and Investment at Ekiti State University, Ado Ekiti.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, Governor Biodun Oyebanji disclosed this collaboration while receiving the Chairman of CIS, Oluropo Dada, during a courtesy visit at the state Government House. Governor Oyebanji expressed gratitude to the institute's council members for their interest in the development of Ekiti State, assuring them of the state's willingness to collaborate in all requested areas. He emphasized the importance of the capital market in economic development and highlighted past successful projects funded through long-term market investments.
Governor Oyebanji stated, "We shall deepen our relationship with the Chartered Institute of Stockbrokers. We are willing to collaborate in training 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 youths in acquiring professional qualifications from the Institute."
Earlier, CIS Chairman Oluropo Dada noted the institute's capability to train the state's top civil servants on financial intelligence. Dada encouraged the governor to introduce a Bachelor's Degree in Securities and Investment at the state's universities to attract youths into the Nigerian financial market. He highlighted the institute's commitment to exploring areas of collaboration and strategic partnership to further enhance the state's economic growth.
Dada proposed organizing regular financial literacy programmes for all government workers, focusing on finance, securities, and investment opportunities. He also suggested specially designed training for top government officials and senior executives in treasury management to enhance skills. Furthermore, Dada requested government sponsorship for at least 1,000 indigenous Ekiti students in the state's tertiary institutions to undertake the institute's professional diploma examination, paving the way for professional qualifications.
In addition, Dada advised issuing an executive order to include CIS professional qualifications in the state civil service scheme and onboarding the B.Sc. Securities and Investment degree programme as part of the courses in all Ekiti State-owned tertiary institutions. He asserted that this move would boost student enrollment and revenue generation for the institution.