NDA 23rd Convocation Lecture: "Savings and Investment, Key to Financial Prosperity in Deregulated Economy" – DG SEC
The Director-General of the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), Dr Emomotimi John Agama, has urged public servants in Nigeria to cultivate a culture of savings and investment as a pathway to financial prosperity and a buffer against the inflationary effects of the current deregulated economy.
Dr Agama made this call while delivering the 23rd Convocation Lecture of the Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA) in honour of the Passing-Out Cadets ( POCs) of the 72 Regular Course and Postgraduate Students of the Academy. The lecture, titled “Pathway to Economic Prosperity for a Public Servant in a Deregulated Economy”, was held on Wednesday, 10 September 2025, at the Academy Auditorium, Afaka.
In his address, Dr. Agama explained that recent economic reforms under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration, (including fuel subsidy removal, electricity tariff adjustments, and exchange rate unification), though beneficial to the nation’s long-term growth, have imposed immediate economic pressures on Nigerians. He stressed the need for public servants to deliberately save and strategically invest to secure financial independence both during active service and in retirement.
“Public servants, traditionally reliant on fixed salaries and pensions, can achieve economic prosperity by strategically engaging with the capital market,” he stated.
He noted that financial security enhances motivation, morale, and productivity, while financial struggles undermine focus, innovation, and service delivery, thereby weakening public institutions.
The DG SEC further highlighted 4 key steps to financial readiness: clarifying financial goals, building an emergency fund, creating a budget, and adopting strategic investment plans. He described the capital market as a veritable tool for long-term funding, wealth creation, and portfolio diversification, while also offering access to professional financial advice. He, however, warned against Ponzi schemes and urged Nigerians to always verify that investment platforms are registered with the SEC.
Earlier, in his welcome remarks, the Commandant NDA, Major General AK Ibrahim OFR, expressed delight at hosting the convocation lecture in honour of the POCs and postgraduate students. He described the Guest Lecturer as a distinguished personality whose work aligns with the Academy’s ethos of empowerment, service, and excellence.
The Commandant also reaffirmed the NDA’s commitment to producing well-rounded military officers since its establishment in 1964, noting that its postgraduate school has remained a hub for academic research and innovation, further consolidating the Academy’s status as a premier military university.
Delivering the vote of thanks, the Academy Registrar, Brigadier General OA Ogunleye, commended Dr. Agama for delivering a practical and insightful lecture. He remarked that the guidance offered would go a long way in helping public servants achieve financial stability during and after service. He also acknowledged the support of the Commandant, principal staff officers, retired and serving officers, vice-chancellors, rectors, members of the Nigerian Defence Academy Officers’ Wives Association (NDAOWA), and other distinguished guests for gracing the occasion.
The 23rd Convocation Lecture formed part of the activities leading up to the Passing Out Parade and Commissioning Ceremony of cadets of the 72 Regular Course, Short Service Course 48, Direct Short Service Course 33 and Branch Commission Air Force scheduled for Saturday, 27 September 2025. Highlights of the event included the presentation of souvenirs, a group photograph, guided tour of NDA Hall of Fame as well luncheon held at the NDA Officers' Mess.
MOHAMMED MAIDAWA
Major
Academy Public Relations Officer
11 September 2025
