Students and staff of Godfrey Okoye University, Enugu, alongside other Nigerians, have been encouraged to explore the vast opportunities available in the capital market for personal and national growth.

This call was made by the Vice-Chancellor, Rev. Fr. Prof. Christian Anieke, during the maiden edition of the Department of Accounting and Finance Public Lecture and Colloquium, held at the Dr. Peter Mbah Law Auditorium, Thinker’s Corner Campus II.

Rev. Fr. Prof. Anieke described the capital market as a major driver of wealth creation and urged participants to gain proper understanding of how to leverage it to grow their capital.

Speaking at the event, the Speaker of the Enugu State House of Assembly and Chairman of the occasion, Chief Uche Ugwu, emphasized that infrastructure remains the backbone of economic growth, driving productivity, job creation, and improved living standards.

Representing the Governor of Enugu State, the Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Chidiebere Onyia, revealed that the state is already harnessing the capital market to boost strategic investments and called on residents to take advantage of the initiative.

The 50th President of ICAN, Mr. Chidi Ajaegbu, urged Nigerians to adopt a positive attitude towards the capital market, noting that a culture of excellence is key to national development. He announced that ICAN has set up a foundation to support Accounting students in acquiring professional knowledge without financial barriers and cited the revival of Hotel Presidential, Enugu, as a success story of capital market funding.

In his goodwill message, the Director-General of the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), Dr. Emomotimi Agama, affirmed that the capital market continues to demonstrate strong capacity to mobilize long-term funds, referencing the recent recapitalization of the banking sector.

Welcoming guests, Assoc. Prof. John Odoh, Head of Department of Accounting and Dean, Faculty of Management and Social Sciences, praised the Vice-Chancellor as a visionary leader and explained that the event was inspired by the need to bridge the gap in capital market participation in the region.

The Chairperson of the organizing committee, Prof. Uche Onyekwelu, highlighted the university’s strong link with industry, noting that all students undergo compulsory industrial training or professional attachment, a policy that ensures GoUni graduates are both theoretically grounded and industry-ready.