Fiona Ahimie, the newly inaugurated 14th president and chairman of council of the Chartered Institute of Stockbrokers (CIS), has unveiled a reform agenda focused on expanding the Institute's reach and strengthening its professional influence. As the first female president in CIS history, Ahimie proposed the creation of a N5 billion endowment fund to support young professionals lacking financial resources to enter the securities and investment industry. The fund forms part of a five-point agenda that includes enhanced member engagement, broader recognition of CIS qualifications, nationwide membership expansion, regional integration beyond Nigeria, and improved financial sustainability.
Ahimie outlined plans to increase stockbroker participation in policy discussions and industry forums through a new Member Engagement and Participation Initiative. She also pledged to extend the Institute's presence beyond Lagos and Abuja by establishing additional district societies across Nigeria. During her inaugural address, Ahimie paid tribute to outgoing president Oluropo Dada, describing him as a "remarkable leader, friend, and mentor" whose leadership strengthened internal collaboration and raised the Institute's profile. Dada has assumed the role of Immediate Past President. Also sworn in were Akeem Oyewale as First Vice President and Jude Chiemeka as Second Vice President.
The inauguration ceremony was attended by high-profile figures including Vice President Kashim Shettima, represented by Special Adviser to the President on Economic Affairs Tope Fasua, Ekiti State Governor Abiodun Oyebanji, Senate Majority Leader Opeyemi Bamidele, Minister of Women Affairs Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, Senator Osita Izunaso, Aisha Babangida, SEC Director-General Emomotimi Agama, former NGX Group Director-General Ndi Okereke-Onyuike, and ASHON Chairman Sehinde Adenagbe. In her speech, Ahimie stated, "The relevance of our Institute is not fixed by our past but determined by our collective courage in the present," adding, "We can and will strengthen our Institute, deepen participation in our profession, and expand across this nation."
Fiona Ahimie champions inclusivity while leading an institute historically dominated by men, yet her call for nationwide expansion contrasts with its entrenched Lagos-Abuja footprint. The proposed N5bn endowment fund targets financial barriers for young professionals, but the plan's success hinges on contributions from a network still largely centred in Nigeria's financial elite. Her administration's visibility rests on translating broad pledges into measurable outreach beyond ceremonial recognition.
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