AERMP Holds Mid-Year Conference and Induction Ceremony 2025, X-rays 2025 Investment and Securities Act

Fadekemi Ajakaiye

The Association of Enterprise Risk Management Professionals (AERMP) recently hosted its 2025 Mid-Year Conference and Induction Ceremony at James Hope University, Lekki, Lagos.
According to a statement by the Director General/CEO
Association of Enterprise Risk Management Professionals (AERMP), Olayinka Odutola, PhD, FCMA, CGMA, FCIB, FERP, this mid-year’s event focused on the theme: “The Investment and Securities Act 2025: Implications for Enterprise Risk Management and Compliance in the Financial Markets”.
The timely theme provided a platform for regulators, compliance officers, industry leaders, and scholars to analyze the new Act and its far-reaching impact on governance, risk management, and compliance across Nigeria’s financial markets.

This year’s conference reaffirmed AERMP’s role as a leading platform for thought leadership, regulatory engagement, and professional development in enterprise risk management.
By engaging top regulators, industry leaders, and academia, the association continues to equip professionals with the knowledge, skills, and networks required to mitigate risks and promote compliance culture across organizations.

The hybrid event was attended by dignitaries from leading institutions in Nigeria’s financial and regulatory ecosystem as well as the academia.

Dr Emomotimi Agama, Director General, Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), represented by Uroro Obaji delivered a keynote on the theme.
Agama explained the concept of the new Act, key regulatory shifts affecting financial markets, implications for Enterprise Risk Management (ERM), compliance expectations for market operators, challenges and opportunities.

He said the ISA 2025 is a Game-Changer that redefines Nigeria’s capital market framework, expands regulatory oversight, and embeds fintech into the formal economy.

The SEC boss said risk and compliance are now strategic functions, adding that, they are no longer back-office tasks but core enablers of market trust, innovation and investor confidence.
“Collaboration will shape the future, success will require partnership between regulators, market operators and risk professionals to maintain stability while encouraging innovation.
“The road ahead with clear rules, strong governance and proactive risk management, Nigeria can emerge as Africa’s leader in regulated fintech and digital finance.

“The future of our capital market will be built by those who see regulation not as a burden, but as the foundation for trust, innovation and long-term prosperity,” he said.
NDLEA Chairman, Brig. Gen Buba Marwa said that “Under the 2025 Act, risk management is no longer a support function; it is a strategic imperative.”
Marwa warned that boards and compliance officers must embed resilience and proactive governance in their institutions.

EFCC Chairman, Mr Ola Olukoyede described the Act as “a bold calibration of the rules that govern our financial system,” urging operators to institutionalize compliance as a culture, not a checklist.
AERMP President, Mrs Taiwo Ige FCIB, FERP said the theme “The Investment and Securities Act 2025: Implications for Enterprise Risk Management and Compliance in the Financial Markets” was apt and strategic, pin pointing place of risk managers and compliance officers in the effective implementation of ISA 2025.

Prof. Abiola Ayopo Babajide – Ag. Vice Chancellor, James Hope University highlighted the institution’s academic-industry collaboration with AERMP.

She underscored the dual-teaching model that combines academic expertise with professional practice, while unveiling the benefits of the exchange program between AERMP and the University.
The DG / CEO, Dr Olayinka Odutola FCIB, FERP also welcome the participants and used the opportunity to appreciate the sponsors and most especially the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and the Nigeria Deposit Insurance Corporation (NDIC) for always supporting the programmes of the association.
The event featured engaging discussions on enterprise risk management frameworks, compliance challenges, cybersecurity, financial market integrity, and regulatory collaboration.
New professionals were inducted into the association, affirming their commitment to the highest standards of enterprise risk management and compliance.

The collaboration between AERMP and James Hope University was showcased, particularly the MBA in Enterprise Risk Management combined with CRA (Certified Risk Analyst) Certificate making it a dual certification program, the first of such, worldwide, between two global institutions, James Hope University and the Association of Enterprise Risk Management Professionals (AERMP).
Admission of the first set (October 2025) is ongoing!

The Association extends its appreciation to all dignitaries, partners, inductees, and participants whose presence and contributions made the event a resounding success.

Together, we are building a future of resilience, compliance, and excellence in Nigeria’s financial markets.
Dignitaries at the event included: Prof. Deji Olanrewaju, FCIB, FERP President, Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria (CIBN); Mr Oluropo Dada, President, Chartered Institute of Stockbrokers, CIS and Mallam Haruna Yahaya PhD, President, Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria.

Others were: President, Institute of Chartered Secretaries and Administrators of Nigeria, Mrs Uto Ukpanah; FCIS President, Chartered Institute of Taxation Nigeria, Mr Innocent Ohagwa, FCTI, Dr Bayo Olugbemi, FCIB, FERP, MD/CEO, First Registrar and Investor Services Ltd, Professor Uju Ogubunka, FCIB, FERP, President, Bank Customers Association of Nigeria, BCAN, Dr Ayotunde Coker, FERP, CEO OPEN ACCESS DATA CENTRES, Ms Bunmi Lawson, FERP, Independent Director, CADBURY PLC, Dr Akeem Oyewale, CEO MARBLE CAPITAL LTD and Prof Ehi Eric Esoimeme FERP, of James Hope University, among others.