By Taiye Olayemi

The Ekiti State Government has expressed its readiness to partner with the Chartered Institute of Stockbrokers (CIS) to upscale capacity building on financial intelligence for top-level government officials.

This is in line with the institute’s financial literacy programme and following plans to introduce Bachelors Degree programme in Securities and Investment at Ekiti State University, Ado Ekiti on Tuesday.

Gov. Biodun Oyebanji, disclosed this while receiving the Chairman of CIS, Oluropo Dada, who was on a courtesy visit at the state Government House.

Gov. Oyebanji, who expressed gratitude to the institute’s council members for the interest in the development of Ekiti State, assured them of the state’s willingness to collaborate in all the areas of request.

He said, “Our government appreciates the roles of the capital market in the development of any economy.

“We have raised long-term fund from the market in the past for developmental projects, which are doing well today.

“We shall deepen our relationship with the Chartered Institute of Stockbrokers. We are willing to collaborate in training of government workers in financial intelligence to equip them with basic tools to manage resources after retirement.

“We will also partner in the onboarding of Bachelor’s Degree Programme in Securities and Investment in the state-owned tertiary institutions and other areas of supporting Ekiti indigenes, particularly youths in acquisition of professional qualifications of the Institute.”

Speaking earlier, the CIS Chairman, said the institute has the capacity to train the state’s top civil servants on financial intelligence.

Dada also encouraged the governor to introduce Bachelor’s Degree in Securities and Investment in the state’s universities to attract youths into the Nigerian financial market.

“The leadership of the Institute identifies with the various fiscal reforms, initiatives, policies and ongoing infrastructural developments of the government.

“This courtesy visit is part of our efforts to explore areas of collaboration and strategic partnership that will further enhance economic growth of the state.

“We can collaborate to organise regular financial literacy programmes for all government workers.

“The training will focus on finance, securities and investment opportunities for civil servants within the state.

“We also have capacity to organise specially designed trainings for top government officials and senior executives of ministries, departments, agencies, corporations and parastatals in the areas of treasury to enhance their skills.

“We request for government sponsorship of at least 1000 indigenous students of Ekiti in all the tertiary institutions in Ekiti state to write the institute’s professional diploma examination as pathway to the institute’s professional examinations,” he said.

Dada advised that an executive order could be issued for inclusion of CIS professional qualifications in the state civil service scheme, including onboarding of B.Sc. Securities and Investment degree programme as one of the courses in all Ekiti State owned tertiary institutions.

He said this is to boost more students’ enrolment and revenue generation for the institution.” (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Olawunmi Ashafa