By Olufemi Adesokan
Ekiti State Governor Biodun Oyebanji and the Founder of Afe Babalola University (ABUAD), Afe Babalola, have commended the Chartered Institute of Stockbrokers (CIS) for hosting its maiden International Academic Conference, describing it as a strategic platform to foster collaboration between capital market stakeholders and academia.
The conference, themed “Capital Markets, Sustainable Finance and Economic Transformation in Africa”, was held at ABUAD in Ado-Ekiti. It brought together academics, regulators, investors, policymakers, and capital market operators to explore ways of strengthening Africa’s financial ecosystem, promoting sustainable finance, and mobilising long-term investment for economic growth.
Driving Transformation Through Capital Markets
Speaking on behalf of Governor Oyebanji, Commissioner for Industry, Trade and Investment, Tayo Adeola, stressed that African capital markets must play a central role in driving the continent’s transformation through infrastructure financing, enterprise growth, and sustainable development.
Oyebanji highlighted Ekiti State’s innovative financing model, citing its N32.5bn, 20-year infrastructure bond issued in April 2025 to fund a 17.84-kilometre dual carriageway toll road project. He also referenced the state’s public-private partnership in the energy sector, including the Ekiti Independent Power Project involving Ekiti IPP Limited, Olokiti Distribution Network Limited, and Fenchurch Power Limited.
Academia Meets Capital Market
ABUAD Chancellor, Aare Afe Babalola, praised CIS for choosing the university as host, describing the initiative as a step toward improving capital market literacy and national development.
Director-General of the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), Emomotimi Agama, urged African academics to deepen collaboration with regulators, stressing the need for empirical studies on liquidity, investor behaviour, and market regulation.
“The academy is not a spectator of Africa’s transformation but a co-author,” Agama said.
Strengthening Collaboration
CIS President, Fiona Ahimie, described the conference as a landmark initiative to advance sustainable finance and innovation across Africa.
ABUAD Vice Chancellor, Smaranda Olarinde, added that the event was timely for expanding financial inclusion and mobilising long-term investment. She noted that CIS’s support for student certification and brokerage accounts would enhance practical exposure and employability for young graduates.