By Precious Owolabi, Ado-Ekiti

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The Chartered Institute of Stockbrokers (CIS) has hailed Ekiti State Government’s fiscal policy, saying it is instrumental to the pace of development in the state, in addition to making the state attractive to investors.

The President of the institute, Mr. Oluropo Dada, stated this during a courtesy visit by members of the Governing Council of CIS to the Governor of Ekiti State, Mr. Biodun Oyebanji, in his office in Ado-Ekiti on Tuesday.

Dada cited the recent rating of Ekiti State as the first among 36 states in the Q4 2024 States Fiscal Transparency ranking by BudgIT, among other milestones recorded by the government as indication of the state’s commitment to fiscal discipline and economic growth, using the administration’s six development pillars as roadmap.

He said the CIS would be willing to enter into strategic partnership with the state government in some critical areas in order to further enhance economic growth and development as well as financial empowerment of the people.

The CIS President said the Institute, as part of efforts to support the government’s economic plan, is ready to organise regular financial literacy programmes for all categories of government workers focusing on finance, securities and investment opportunities for public servants, emphasising the importance of making money as well as sustaining the tempo of financial breakthrough at any point in time.

He also hinted on the planned introduction of securities and investments related programmes in the two state owned universities in Ekiti as well as a plan to introduce no fewer than 1,000 Ekiti undergraduates to the CIS qualifying examinations, as a way of equipping them with the required skills and certification that would make them key players in the investment world.

Governor Oyebanji who thanked the CIS council members for the meeting said his administration would collaborate with the Institute and leverage on its financial expertise to drive strategic reforms for the economic growth of the state and residents.

 Oyebanji said Ekiti State has been able to earn investors’ confidence based on the fiscal policy of his administration which is anchored on accountability and transparency.

 The governor charged the Institute on the need to organise and create opportunities for financial literacy and inclusion in order to ensure sustainable financial growth of the citizenry.

He wondered why people retire from public office and get into penury almost immediately, hinging it on lack of financial intelligence.

Also at the meeting were Chief of Staff to the Governor, Mr. Niyi Adebayo; Commissioners for Finance, Mr. Akintunde Oyebode; Trade, Industry, Investment and Cooperatives, Mrs.Tayo Adeola; Special Adviser (Media), Mr. Yinka Oyebode; Director General, EKDIPA, Mrs. Lolade Olutona and Group Managing Director of Fountain Holdings, Mr. Adetunji Tolani.