Shettima, others Applauds Uwaleke’s Contributions to Nigeria’s Capital Market

By Olu Benjamin

Nigeria’s Vice President, Sen. Kassim Shettima and other eminent Nigerians have lauded the contributions of Nigeria’s first Professor of Capital Market, Uche Uwaleke to the development of Nigeria’s capital market.

Shettima gave the commendations at the 50th Inaugural Lecture of the Nasarawa State University Keffi (NSUK) held at the university in Keffi local government area of Nasarawa state on Wednesday.

Our reporter gathered that Uwaleke, Professor of Capital Market at the Nasarawa State University Keffi (NSUK) delivered the university’s 50th Inaugural Lecture with the topic “Unlocking wealth and leveraging entrepreneurial knowledge ecosystem: Understanding capital market essentials”.

Shettima represented by Hajiya Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, Minister of Women Affairs described Uwaleke as a trailblazer in the development of Nigeria’s capital market and praised him for his impactful contributions to the sector.

“This inaugural lecture holds particular significance not only because of its prestigious legacy but also because of the distinguished scholar st the centre, Prof Uche Uwaleke, the pioneer professor of the capital market.

“His dedication to capital market studies and policy development has shaped critical conversations on the Nigerian economic growth. We are fortunate to have thoughts leaders like him whose contributions continue to illuminate our path forward,” he said.

He added that Professor Uwaleke’s contributions exemplifies the intellectual rigour required to enhance Nigeria’s capital market hence the commendation and the need for other stakeholders and experts to redouble their efforts and sacrifices towards making Nigeria’s capital market one of the best in the world.

“His researches, policies and advocacy are instrumental in shaping this tradjectory. We must join him in reflecting our shared responsibilities to sustain and deepen the market and to strengthen collaboration between the government, private sector and the academia,” he said.

He then assured that the administration of President Bola Tinubu is determined to make the capital market the engine of Nigeria’s economic stability, a symbol of opportunity and a foundation of hope.

In his own remarks, Hon. Emeka Ihedioha, Former governor of Imo state also described Uwaleke as a trustworthy and visionary capital market expert who has brought joy to Imo state and Nigeria at large.

“Mr Vice President, please take our message to the President that he should make better use of Professor Uwaleke. Uche Uwaleke is non political, non partisan.

“All we know is that Uche does his job judiciously and he is one of our very best in the country. He is a pride to Nasarawa state University, a pride to Imo state and a pride to Nigeria,” he said.

In her welcome remarks, Prof Sa’adatu Liman, Vice Chancellor of NSUK called Professor Uwaleke a global scholar and an “esteemed expert in his field” whose contributions have helped boost the image of the university.

“The quality and caliber of the special guests assembled here today is a testify to the enviable level of the academic and professional capacity erudite scholar whose humility made him to stay with us unpretentiously to the admiration of all.

She then described the topic of the 50th Inaugural lecture as particularly relevant in the present day fast pace interconnected world.

“As we navigate the complexities of globalization, technological disruptions and shifting economic landscapes it is imperative that we develop a deeper understanding of the entrepreneurial ecosystems.

“I have no doubt that his insights will be enlightening, informative and thought provoking. I invite you all to engage actively in this lecture,” he said.

In an interview, Professor Uwaleke said the key recommendation of the lecture is developing the capital market first to be in a position to help government fund infrastructure, fast development and entrepreneurial ecosystems of the country.

Our reporter reports that other dignataries at the event include Senator Osita Izunaso, Chairman, Senate Committee on Capital Market; Mr Umaru Kwairanga, Group Chairman, Nigerian Exchange Group;Dr Timi Agama, Director General, Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) among others. END