The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has partnered with the National Orientation Agency (NOA) to educate Nigerians on the activities of the capital market while committing to preventing illegal schemes from thriving in the country.
During a meeting with NOA Director-General Lanre Issa-Onilu, SEC Director-General Dr Emomotimi Agama described the capital market as a key tool for national development, while decrying the tendency for some people to misuse it in ways that impoverish Nigerians.
“These are not supposed to be, but many people fall victim due to lack of knowledge. We know these schemes are springing up daily, defrauding Nigerians. People are often gullible due to the need to survive. As a management, we decided to go out and enlighten people; we cannot assume that people know. We need mass communication—hence this collaboration. It is only by co-operation that we achieve the purpose of our existence,” Agama said.
He also solicited the cooperation of NOA to reach Nigerians through its extensive mass communication channels, ensuring the SEC’s message reaches every part of the country.
“This collaboration is important because it will go a long way in ensuring that Nigerians are no longer victims of these fraudulent schemes. We appreciate that you value this country, and we value the work that you do,” he added.
In his response, NOA Director-General Lanre Issa-Onilu affirmed the agency’s collaboration with several media organisations and requested specific information from relevant bodies to promote values that will help Nigerians become better citizens.
“We request that you provide information on what you do to enable us to propagate it. Our primary assignment is to serve all government institutions as the communications arm. We conduct enlightenment in places like religious houses, motor parks, town halls, and more,” he said.
Issa-Onilu also commended the SEC for the achievements of the capital market in recent times, adding that the Commission has not been celebrated enough.