SEC to hold investor clinics to resolve investment issues

The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) says it will hold investor clinics as part of activities marking World Investor Week 2024.

SEC said the investor clinics will be held from October 7 to October 11.

The WIW is an annual event organised by the International Organisation of Securities Commissions (IOSCO) to promote investor education and protection globally.

Emomotimi Agama, director-general of SEC, speaking on Wednesday, said the clinics will be held in the commission’s zonal offices in Lagos, Abuja, and Port Harcourt, the head office in Abuja, as well as at the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN) conference at the Transcorp Hilton Hotel, Abuja.

The DG said the clinics would address various issues relating to investors’ participation in the capital market as well as educate intending investors on the workings of the investment climate.

Agama said it is also an opportunity for investors to resolve issues with their investments, make inquiries, mandate their e-dividend accounts, and directly engage with the capital market players (stock brokers, registrars and fund managers).

He said the week’s activities aim to empower investors with the knowledge they need to make informed decisions in an evolving financial landscape.

Agama said the week-long event offers practical knowledge and insights into key finance trends, helping both experienced and new investors navigate the rapidly changing world of finance.

ACTIVITIES AT INVESTOR CLINICS

Agama said the event is packed with activities designed to inform and engage the investing public.

He said the opening event at FMDQ in Lagos includes the ringing of the bell to kick off the week followed by a paper presentation on technology and the capital market.

“On Day 2 there will be a Twitter Space discussion on crypto assets and a webinar by NASD on digital finance while on Day 3 AFEX and other commodities exchanges will host a paper presentation on Sustainable Finance, followed by the ringing of the bell at their exchange,” he said.

“On Day 4, A financial literacy programme will be held at Pan-Atlantic University for students, focusing on educating the younger generation about smart investing, while on Day 5 the week will conclude with the ringing of the closing bell at NGX, marking the official end of the WIW 2024.

“We will be meeting with investors in our office in Lagos, Port Harcourt, Kano and also at the ICAN Conference that would be holding next week in Abuja. At the various locations, stock brokers will be on ground to open stock brokerage accounts, registrars will be available to resolve unclaimed dividend issues and mandate accounts for e-dividend.

“Fund Managers will also be on ground to open/manage investment accounts and our staff will also be around to attend to attend to enquiries from investors. In Lagos, the clinic will hold on Monday October 7th and Friday October 11th between 10am and 2pm at our office in Idejo, Victoria Island.

“In Port Harcourt we will be meeting with investors throughout next week from 10am to 2pm daily at 5B Isaiah Odolu Street GRA Phase 11, Port Harcourt. Registrars, stockbrokers, fund managers and our staff will be available to attend to investors. In Kano, the clinics will hold at out office on Fourth Floor African Alliance House, Sani Abacha Way.”

Agama asked investors to utilise the week-long opportunity to resolve every pending investment issues they have and also meet with investment advisers for proper guidance

“It will be an exciting and enlightening week for the investing public and younger participants,” he said.

Agama encouraged stakeholders to key into the programmes in order to become better equipped for making wise and informed investment decisions.