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Nigeria at 65: SEC Chief Urges Citizens to Seek Financial Independence Through Capital Market
ABUJA, Nigeria (Oct. 2, 2025) — As Nigeria marked its 65th Independence anniversary, the Director-General of the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), Emomotimi Agama, urged citizens to embrace the capital market as a pathway to financial independence and long-term economic stability.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
Agama made the call Thursday during a commemorative lecture in Abuja. He said Nigeria’s economic future depends not only on government reforms but also on individuals and businesses taking advantage of investment opportunities. According to him, the capital market offers one of the most reliable means for Nigerians to build wealth and reduce dependence on external aid or government subsidies.
“The true independence of any nation is not just political but financial,” Agama said. “At 65, Nigeria must begin to think beyond oil and government revenue. Our people need to look toward the capital market as a way of creating wealth and ensuring financial freedom.”
The SEC boss emphasized that the capital market is designed for ordinary citizens, not just elites or big corporations. He highlighted opportunities in equities, bonds, mutual funds, and other regulated instruments that could help Nigerians secure their future.
Agama explained that while the country faces inflation, currency depreciation, and unemployment, citizens can still leverage financial literacy and investment tools to improve their lives. He also encouraged youths, who make up the majority of Nigeria’s population, to learn more about capital market products and adopt a savings-and-investment culture.
“Financial independence begins with education and discipline,” Agama said. “If more Nigerians invest responsibly, they will not only secure their personal future but also contribute to national growth.”
He assured the public that the SEC is working to strengthen regulations, protect investors, and promote transparency. He said the commission is also collaborating with financial institutions to create inclusive platforms that make investing easier for small savers.
Nigeria, Africa’s most populous nation with over 220 million people, continues to rely heavily on oil exports for revenue. Experts say this dependence has made the economy vulnerable to price shocks and external pressures. Calls for diversification have grown louder in recent years, especially as inflation erodes household income.
Financial analysts agree that increased participation in the capital market could reduce Nigeria’s overreliance on government spending. By channeling private savings into productive sectors, the market can help create jobs, finance infrastructure, and support businesses.
Speaking at the event, economic analyst Aisha Bello described the capital market as “a sleeping giant” in Nigeria’s financial system. She said many Nigerians still prefer informal savings or real estate speculation, missing out on the potential of regulated investment opportunities.
“Financial inclusion is not just about opening bank accounts,” Bello said. “It is about teaching people how to use the capital market to grow their money safely. That is where real independence lies.”
The SEC has recently launched several initiatives aimed at deepening market participation, including digital trading platforms, investor education campaigns, and partnerships with schools and universities. The commission has also introduced stricter rules to protect investors from fraud and market manipulation.
Despite these efforts, challenges remain. Low public trust, weak financial literacy, and high poverty levels have slowed growth in the capital market. According to data from the Nigerian Exchange Group, less than 5% of Nigerians actively invest in stocks or bonds.
Still, Agama said he is optimistic that with sustained education and policy reforms, participation will rise. He urged the media, civil society, and private sector to join efforts in spreading awareness.
“As we celebrate 65 years of independence, it is time for Nigerians to understand that financial freedom is the next frontier,” Agama said. “The capital market is a tool that can help every citizen achieve that goal.”
Economists note that financial independence at the individual level could ease pressure on the government, allowing resources to be directed toward public services like education, health, and infrastructure. They argue that a strong capital market can also attract foreign investors, boost the value of the naira, and strengthen Nigeria’s position as Africa’s largest economy.
For many Nigerians, however, the road to financial independence remains uncertain. Rising costs of living, limited disposable income, and low wages continue to push millions toward survival rather than investment. Experts say this is why education and trust-building will be crucial if Agama’s call is to translate into real impact.
As Nigeria reflects on 65 years of nationhood, the message from its capital market regulator is clear: political independence means little without financial empowerment. The challenge now is whether citizens — and the government — are ready to embrace the tools that can turn that vision into reality.
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Lyon Win Five-Goal Thriller Against Crystal Palace As Sunderland Strike Late [Europa League Full Results].
Lyon took the lead in the 10th minute when Corentin Tolisso reacted quickly to a loose ball following a corner kick.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
The French side extended their advantage in first-half stoppage time, with Ernest Nuamah finishing off Keito Nakamura’s cross after an impressive attacking move.
Crystal Palace reduced the deficit shortly after the restart through Yeremy Pino, who converted a well-executed set-piece routine.
However, Lyon restored their two-goal advantage when Pavel Sulc scored with a close-range flick.
Daichi Kamada brought Palace back into contention with nine minutes remaining, but Lyon defended their lead to secure their second consecutive victory in the league phase.
Sunderland Snatch Dramatic Late Victory
Sunderland produced a late comeback to defeat Torreense 2-1 in Portugal, with Noah Sadiki scoring the decisive goal in the 93rd minute.
The hosts took the lead in the 37th minute after Volnei Feltes beat his marker before unleashing a long-range effort beyond Sunderland goalkeeper Robin Roefs.
Sunderland manager Regis Le Bris responded by introducing Granit Xhaka and Enzo Le Fee shortly before the hour mark, helping his side regain control of the contest.
Jules Ahoka subsequently equalised for the visitors before Sadiki struck deep into stoppage time to complete the comeback.
The closing stages were marked by a lengthy VAR review that ultimately denied Sunderland a late penalty, but the visitors still left Portugal with all three points.
Leverkusen, AC Milan Record Convincing Wins
Bayer Leverkusen moved to the top of the standings after defeating Lech Poznan 4-0.
Patrik Schick scored twice from the penalty spot in the first half, while Malik Tillman also found the net before the interval. Ibrahim Maza completed the scoring late in the game.
AC Milan recorded an identical scoreline away against Salzburg, with teenage forward Alphadjo Cisse netting a hat-trick. Goncalo Ramos added the fourth goal in the 72nd minute.
However, Filippo Terracciano’s red card took some shine off Milan’s emphatic victory.
Other Europa League Results
Elsewhere, Bournemouth defeated Sturm Graz 3-0, while Juventus claimed a 2-1 away victory over Celta Vigo. Olympiacos also secured a narrow 1-0 win against Marseille.
Real Sociedad were held to a 1-1 draw by Union Saint-Gilloise, while Dinamo Zagreb defeated Anderlecht 1-0.
Benfica cruised to a 4-1 victory over Celtic, AZ Alkmaar beat Hapoel Be’er Sheva 2-1, and Besiktas edged Hoffenheim 3-2 away from home.
Other results saw Celje lose 0-3 to Omonia, Ferencvaros defeat Plzen 2-1, Jagiellonia beat Ararat-Armenia 3-1, and Nijmegen draw 1-1 with Levski Sofia.
2026/2027 Europa League Matchday 2 Results
- AZ Alkmaar 2-1 Hapoel Be’er Sheva
- Celje 0-3 Omonia
- Lech Poznan 0-4 Bayer Leverkusen
- Lyon 3-2 Crystal Palace
- Union Saint-Gilloise 1-1 Real Sociedad
- Salzburg 0-4 AC Milan
- Sparta Prague 1-1 Lillestrom
- Torreense 1-2 Sunderland
- Benfica 4-1 Celtic
- Bournemouth 3-0 Sturm Graz
- Celta Vigo 1-2 Juventus
- Dinamo Zagreb 1-0 Anderlecht
- Ferencvaros 2-1 Plzen
- Hoffenheim 2-3 Besiktas
- Jagiellonia 3-1 Ararat-Armenia
- Marseille 0-1 Olympiacos
- Nijmegen 1-1 Levski Sofia
The All Progressives Congress (APC) has proposed a schedule for President Bola Tinubu’s campaign rallies across 12 states ahead of the 2027 general elections.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
According to the proposed timetable, the campaign is expected to commence in Kaduna State on October 24, 2026, and conclude with a grand rally in Lagos State on January 9, 2027.
reports that the planned rallies will cover Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones, with Tinubu scheduled to attend campaign events in 12 locations across the country.
Other proposed destinations include Port Harcourt, Jos, Ibadan, Maiduguri, Enugu, Bauchi, Sokoto, Asaba, Kano and Yola.
Full List of Proposed Campaign Dates and Locations
The proposed timetable outlines the following dates and venues for Tinubu’s campaign appearances:
- Kaduna, Kaduna State – Saturday, October 24, 2026
- Port Harcourt, Rivers State – Saturday, November 7, 2026
- Jos, Plateau State – Saturday, November 14, 2026
- Ibadan, Oyo State – Saturday, November 21, 2026
- Maiduguri, Borno State – Wednesday, November 25, 2026
- Enugu, Enugu State – Saturday, November 28, 2026
- Bauchi, Bauchi State – Sunday, November 29, 2026
- Sokoto, Sokoto State – Friday, December 4, 2026
- Asaba, Delta State – Saturday, December 12, 2026
- Kano, Kano State – Thursday, December 17, 2026
- Yola, Adamawa State – Monday, January 4, 2027
- Lagos, Lagos State – Saturday, January 9, 2027
Momodu Questions Tinubu’s Commitment to Free and Fair Elections
Meanwhile, a chieftain of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Dele Momodu, has expressed doubts about President Tinubu’s commitment to conducting free and fair elections in 2027, claiming that even some of the President’s supporters harbour similar concerns.
reports that the veteran journalist made the remarks during an interview on Arise News’ Prime Time programme.
Momodu alleged that some Nigerians fear Tinubu might be unwilling to relinquish power if he loses the next presidential election.
He, however, insisted that Nigerians would resist any attempt by the President to remain in office after an electoral defeat.
The ADC chieftain further claimed that some governors elected on the APC platform, alongside judges and legislators, were apprehensive about the possible outcome of the 2027 elections.
Speaking during the interview, Momodu said many Nigerians would question whether Tinubu could be trusted to oversee a credible and transparent electoral process.
He argued that some supporters of the President were confident of victory but, according to him, struggled to explain the basis for their optimism beyond their belief in Tinubu’s political influence.
Momodu also maintained that his confidence in the opposition’s efforts was not based solely on his party, but on what he described as the growing determination of ordinary Nigerians who do not want Tinubu to secure another term.
He recalled Tinubu’s political struggle to win a second term as governor of Lagos State, suggesting that opposition figures were also working behind the scenes to challenge his bid for re-election as President.
The ADC chieftain added that some political figures who publicly support Tinubu were allegedly concerned about the current political climate but were reluctant to express their reservations openly.
He concluded by describing the President’s position within the political establishment as one that many were unwilling to challenge directly.
Momodu’s remarks reflect his personal assessment of the political atmosphere ahead of the 2027 elections and his criticism of the Tinubu administration.
A 15-member delegation from the Confederation of African Football (CAF) is expected to arrive in Nigeria on Friday, October 16, to conduct a final inspection of facilities ahead of the 48th CAF Ordinary General Assembly and the 2026 CAF Awards.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
The delegation, led by CAF Head of Safety and Security, Dr Christian Emeruwa, will assess venues and related arrangements in Lagos and Abuja to ensure they meet the standards required for hosting the two major continental events.
During their visit to Lagos, the CAF officials will inspect the Wole Soyinka Centre for Culture and Creative Arts, Eko Hotel and Suites, and Murtala Muhammed International Airport. They are also scheduled to meet with representatives of the Lagos State Government.
The team will then proceed to Abuja, where it will assess the Bola Ahmed Tinubu International Conference Centre, Transcorp Hilton Hotel, and Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport.
The delegation is also expected to pay courtesy visits to the Chairman and Director-General of the National Sports Commission.
A six-member delegation from the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), led by Dr Ademola Olajire, will accompany the CAF officials throughout the inspection exercise.
The visit follows an earlier assessment conducted between July 31 and August 4, during which initial operational agreements were established.
The final inspection will focus on verifying the readiness of the venues, security provisions and logistical arrangements to ensure the successful hosting of both events.
The 48th CAF Ordinary General Assembly is scheduled to hold on Saturday, November 21, at the Bola Ahmed Tinubu International Conference Centre in Abuja.
Meanwhile, the 2026 CAF Awards ceremony is slated for Monday, December 7, at the Wole Soyinka Centre for Culture and Creative Arts in Lagos.
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