SEC to partner social media influencers to educate investors on capital market

The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) says it will partner with social media influencers on initiative to educate investors on capital market opportunities.

Emomotimi Agama, director-general (DG) of SEC, spoke on Saturday during the rollout of the #InvestNigeria enlightenment initiative.

Agama said the commission is committed to making the capital market more accessible and attractive to Nigerians.

The DG also said the initiative would benefit the economy as encouraging investment in the capital market can lead to increased economic activity, job creation, and the country’s gross domestic product (GDP) growth.

According to Agama, equipping potential investors with knowledge about opportunities and risks in the capital market will attract more participants and drive economic growth.

He said aside from the billboards already being installed in different parts of the country, the commission intends to utilise 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,” he said.

“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.

“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.”

‘ADVERTISING IS AN EFFECTIVE TOOL FOR INVESTMENT PROMOTION’ 

Agama said advertising can be an effective way to promote investment 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,” he said.

“Advertising can attract domestic and foreign investment, leading to increased capital formation and development of the capital market.

“Advertising can also aid financial deepening as promoting investment in the capital market can contribute to financial deepening, making financial services more accessible and affordable.”

The DG said through advertising, the commission can increase awareness, improve financial literacy, and attract more investors, ultimately contributing to economic growth and development.

Agama said the capital market is knowledge-based, hence the need to keep information available to the investing public.