By Olatunde Ajayi
The Institute of Capital Market Registrars (ICMR) has held the 2025 Registrars Investors’ Forum in Ibadan, to resolve concerns, improve experience, trust and confidence in the capital market.
The President and Chairman of Council, lCMR, Mr Oluseyi Owoturo, said the main purpose of the forum was to create a meeting point where investors/shareholders can share their experiences with the providers of service.
Owoturo added that the forum would afford registrars the opportunity of meeting shareholders/investors one-on-one to address their challenges and to provide learning opportunities for both sides.
He said the theme for the maiden forum: “Deepening Shareholder Engagement for a Stronger and More Resilient Capital Market,” aimed to expose areas of engagement between shareholders and other capital market stakeholders to boost confidence.
“Our intention is to establish this event as an annual one, to be held regionally in Nigeria, to reach as many shareholders/investors as possible.
“As registrars, we believe that this effort has the potential to improve investor experience and therefore trust and confidence,” he said.
Also, the ICMR President-Elect, Dr Catherine Nwosu, said the theme of the forum was carefully selected to address strategic engagement that builds trust, encourages participation, and drives long-term market confidence.
Nwosu, who also doubles as the Chairman of the Forum Planning Committee, said the nation’s capital market had evolved over the years.
“Over the past few years, we have seen the capital market evolve through regulatory reforms, digital transformation, and a renewed focus on corporate governance.
“Yet, one truth remains constant: a market is only as strong as its investors’ confidence.
“Shareholders must not only be informed but must also feel connected, valued, and empowered to participate meaningfully in corporate growth.
“This forum, therefore, has been carefully structured to address how registrars will reinvent shareholder engagement in a digital and post-pandemic economy.
“What systems, standards, and practices will ensure inclusivity and trust, particularly among retail investors. And how do we strengthen collaboration among registrars, issuers, regulators, and other market players to achieve resilience and shared growth,” she noted.
The Forum Keynote Speaker, Dr Akeem Oyewale, the Second Vice-President, Chartered Institute of Stockbrokers, charged investors to prepare their minds that shares are market-based security that could either appreciate or depreciate per period.
Oyewale said investors on a regular basis must be getting up-to-date information about the market to understand the fundamentals.
He noted that investors must have full understanding that prices of shares are not just determined by the companies but by other factors such as government policies, laws of demand and supply, among others.
According to him, knowing this will go a long way in determining how investors will manage market risks.
“Investors must be ready to invest for long time and be patient so as to benefit from the market.
“Also, long term investors are advised to include mechanism to transfer their shares to their children when preparing their will.
“Many investors in the past failed to make arrangements for their children to reap benefits of their investments. Some children are struggling in getting probate and other legal document to claim their parents investments while some children are not aware that their parents have investments somewhere.
“It is important that investors always write their will, this will assist in ensuring convenient transfer of their wealth to the next generation,” he said.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the event featured panel sessions, paper presentations, networking, tour of registrars stand and engagement with shareholders, among others. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
Edited by Chinyere Joel-Nwokeoma
