Former Director-General of The Nigerian Stock Exchange (now NGX), Professor Ndi Okereke-Onyuike, has described the emergence of Dr Fiona Ahimie as the first female and 14th President and Chairman of Council of the Chartered Institute of Stockbrokers (CIS) as a historic breakthrough for gender inclusion and leadership within Nigeria’s capital market.
Professor Okereke-Onyuike made the remarks when she hosted Ahimie and a high-powered delegation from the Institute on a courtesy visit ahead of the President-Elect’s inauguration scheduled for June 25, 2026.
The delegation, which comprised the Immediate Past President of the Institute, Oluropo Dada; the First and Second Principal Officers, Dr Akeem Oyewale and Jude Chiemeka, respectively; and the Registrar/Chief Executive, Ayo Adeonipekun, visited the former Director-General of The Nigerian Stock Exchange as part of preparations for the inauguration ceremony.
During the visit, Ahimie formally invited Professor Okereke-Onyuike to attend the historic event. Welcoming the delegation, Professor Okereke-Onyuike expressed delight at the election of Dr Ahimie, noting that her emergence represents a defining moment in the 30-year history of the Institute and a significant milestone for women in the financial services sector.
She commended the CIS for demonstrating confidence in the leadership capacity of women and for taking a bold step towards strengthening gender balance in the profession.
“The election of Dr Fiona Ahimie is not only a personal achievement but also a landmark accomplishment for women in the capital market and the wider financial industry. It sends a strong message that leadership positions should be determined by competence, character, experience and vision,” she said.
Okereke-Onyuike urged the President-Elect to leverage the opportunity to leave a lasting legacy by building on the strong foundation laid by successive presidents of the Institute.