The event also marked the investiture of new leadership for the two awarding bodies:

✅ Mr. Muhammad Alhassan Abdullahi, nfi, FCFA, was sworn in as the 5th President of the Association of Financial Analysts of Nigeria (AFAn), taking over from Dr. Yusuf I. Karaye, FCFA..
✅ Mrs. Khadijat Ahmed, CFP, CFA, was inducted as the President of the Accredited Financial Planners Association (AFPA), succeeding Dr. Abdullahi Ya’u, nfi, FCFA, CFP.

In their respective acceptance speeches, both leaders committed to advancing the professional development of financial analysts and planners in Nigeria, fostering innovation in the financial sector, and strengthening regulatory compliance within the profession.

In line with its commitment to upholding ethical standards and fostering financial excellence, FPSI officially conferred the most prestigious financial award in Nigeria – the National-Honour on Financial Integrity/Innovation/Intervention (nfi) Awards on 13 distinguished professionals and institutions.

The NFI Award, which was introduced to recognize outstanding contributions in financial integrity, innovation, and intervention, underwent a rigorous selection process. After an open call for nominations, collection of entries, and a careful screening process by the independent selection committee, the FPSI Council gave final approval to about a dozen awardees which includes;

📌 His Highness, the Emir of Kano, Muhammadu Sanusi II (Financial Innovation & Integrity Category) – For his transformational contributions to Nigeria’s banking industry, particularly in introducing non-interest banking and championing ethical banking reforms during his tenure as Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN).

📌 Amb. Patrick Onwura Nzechukwu (Financial Integrity Category) – Recognized for his unparalleled contributions in professionalizing internal auditing in the West African region and his advocacy for financial transparency and best auditing practices.

📌 Prof. S.A.S. Aruwa (Financial Innovation Category) – Awarded for his groundbreaking research contributions in public sector accounting and governance, shaping financial policy and transparency in Nigeria.

📌 Dr. Abdullahi Ya’u (Financial Intervention Category) – Honored for his exceptional role in establishing financial planning and analysis as a professional discipline in Nigeria and Africa, and for his contributions in shaping financial competency frameworks.

📌 Alh. Nuruddeen Abdulkadir Bature (Financial Intervention Category) – Recognized for his significant contributions to job creation through the expansion of Basma Agric Processing Ltd. and for his financial sponsorship of scholarship programs for underprivileged communities in Kano.

Other distinguished awardees were also honored for their efforts in financial transparency, ethical banking, investment reforms, and economic development.

In another landmark announcement, FPSI declared its commitment to anchoring the establishment of the first African regional body for financial planners and analysts – the African Federation of Financial Planners and Analysts Organisations (AFPAO).

The proposed AFPAO will serve as a continental standard-setting body for financial planning and analysis qualifications, ensuring that financial analysts and planners across Africa operate under a unified framework that aligns with international best practices and regional economic integration efforts.

This initiative marks a bold step in strengthening Africa’s financial sector, fostering intra-African collaboration, and positioning the continent as a key player in global financial governance.

With over 2,000 attendees participating both physically and virtually, the 2025 FPSI MCPW and Induction Ceremony solidified its position as Nigeria’s premier gathering of financial professionals, policymakers, and industry stakeholders.

FPSI’s Director-General, Dr. Abdullahi Ya’u, PhD, FCFA, FCNA, CFP in his closing remarks, emphasized the Institute’s unwavering commitment to professional excellence, capacity building, and financial industry reform. He reiterated that FPSI will continue to work closely with NBTE, regulatory agencies, and industry leaders to ensure financial planning and analysis remain an integral part of Nigeria’s economic transformation.

As FPSI continues to expand its influence both locally and internationally, financial professionals in Nigeria and across Africa are set to benefit from increased standardization, improved certification frameworks, and broader career prospects.