By Chidi Ugwu
In its avowed commitment to ensure that more Nigerians are attracted to the capital market, the Securities and Exchange Commission has rolled out an enlightenment initiative tagged #investnigeria.
Speaking at the official rollout at the weekend, Director General of the SEC, Dr. Emomotimi Agama said the aim is to promote investment in the capital market through advertising, which he emphasized, has numerous benefits.
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According to him, “Some reasons why advertising can be an effective way to promote investment in the capital market are that it can educate potential investors about the benefits and opportunities of investing in the capital market, the campaigns improve literacy by helping investors understand various investment products, risks, and rewards and advertising can assist investors have access to investment opportunities by informing them about available investment opportunities, such as initial public offerings (IPOs), bonds, and mutual funds.
The SEC DG said the initiative would also benefit the economy as encouraging investment in the capital market can lead to increased economic activity, job creation, and GDP growth.
“Advertising can attract domestic and foreign investment, leading to increased capital formation and development of the capital market. Advertising can also aide Financial deepening as promoting investment in the capital market can contribute to financial deepening, making financial services more accessible and affordable.
Agama said the #investnigeria initiative also has enormous benefits for the capital market as it can attract more investors, leading to increased liquidity and market efficiency as well as promote transparency and disclosure, essential for a well-functioning capital market.
He noted that advertising can help the capital market become more competitive, attracting more issuers and investors both local and foreign adding that by promoting investment in the capital market through advertising, the Commission can increase awareness, improve financial literacy, and attract more investors, ultimately contributing to economic growth and development.
He disclosed that aside the billboards already being installed in different parts of the country, the Commission intends to utilize social media, online advertising, and email marketing to reach a wider audience.
“We hope to collaborate with financial influencers, bloggers, and thought leaders to promote investment in the capital market. We will also host seminars, workshops, and conferences to educate investors and promote investment opportunities, as well as leverage media coverage to raise awareness about the capital market and investment opportunities”, he added.
The SEC Boss stressed the need to equip investors with the necessary knowledge and tools to navigate the evolving financial landscape safely.
“One of the ways by which you can protect investors is obviously by equipping them with knowledge and giving them the know-how to discern between what is a good investment and what is not a good investment.
“I am talking about in terms of safety, in terms of avoiding risk, in terms of avoiding a ponzi scheme, or spotting a ponzi scheme when it’s there, or spotting a scam or even just taking care of their assets”, Agama said.
He underscored the knowledge-based nature of the capital market, stating, “We need to continue constant education in the capital market. The market is knowledge-based and we are committed to ensuring that information is made available to the investing public.
“The commission will continue to partner with relevant stakeholders to create more learning opportunities. That is the reason we have decided to collaborate with relevant stakeholders to ensure that the message is taken to every part of this country as investor education can foster the growth and development of Nigeria’s capital market”.
