The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has intensified its financial literacy campaign among young Nigerians, urging students to embrace informed money management as a pathway to personal prosperity and national economic growth.
This call was made in Abuja during the 2026 Global Money Week celebration, themed “Smart Money Talks,” where senior officials of the apex bank underscored the importance of early financial education.
The schools in attendance include Dove land International School, Living Fountain International School, Government Day Secondary School, Wuse and Government Science School, Maitama all in the Federal Capital Territory. Different commercial banks were also represented at the event.
Delivering a keynote address on behalf of the bank, director of consumer protection and financial inclusion, Aisha Olatinwo, said the initiative reflects the bank’s commitment to equipping young people with the knowledge and skills needed to make sound financial decisions.
She noted that the choice of participating schools was based on consistent performance in previous financial literacy engagements, describing their involvement as a continuation of a growing partnership with the apex bank.
Olatinwo said the theme for this year’s event emphasises the need for open conversations about money, adding that financial literacy has become indispensable in today’s rapidly evolving financial environment.
“Financial literacy is no longer optional; it is essential,” she said, stressing that the ability to make informed financial decisions is a critical life skill that empowers individuals, strengthens families, and supports national economic growth.
She explained that discussing money helps to break misconceptions, build confidence, and equip individuals for a more secure financial future.
Quoting American statesman Benjamin Franklin, she said, “An investment in knowledge pays the best interest,” noting that the quote captures the essence of the Global Money Week initiative.
Olatinwo highlighted several consumer-focused initiatives introduced by the apex bank to deepen financial awareness, including the Bank Consumer Education Series and the Sabi Money e-learning platform.
According to her, these programmes are designed to equip individuals, particularly students, with practical financial knowledge and enable them to pass such knowledge on to others.
“We will take this campaign to our mothers, our fathers, the markets, and even on the streets,” she said, adding that the initiative aims to build a culture of financial responsibility nationwide.
Olatinwo advised participants to view money not merely as a tool for consumption but as an instrument for investment that can generate sustainable returns. “Let’s not see money as an instrument to spend. Look at money as an instrument for investment, and the yield from that investment is what you spend. That way, you build a rich future,” she said.
She encouraged students to become ambassadors of financial literacy by sharing knowledge with their peers and younger generations.
Earlier, head of consumer education and evaluation division, Amuwa Nelson, described Global Money Week as a global initiative aimed at equipping young people with the skills and confidence to make responsible financial decisions.
Nelson said the financial literacy fair was designed as an interactive platform where participants could gain practical knowledge on money management, savings, and responsible spending.
He explained that the theme “Smart Money Talks” highlights the importance of engaging in open and informed discussions about money, noting that such conversations are key to building a secure financial future.
According to him, participants would have the opportunity to interact with financial institutions, explore youth-focused financial products and services, and gain insights to guide their financial decisions. “As you move around, I encourage you to ask questions, engage actively, and take full advantage of the knowledge and resources available,” he said.
Nelson emphasised that the financial habits developed at a young age would significantly shape future financial outcomes. “Remember, the habits you develop today will shape your financial future tomorrow,” he added.
The Global Money Week campaign is a worldwide initiative that promotes financial education among young people, with participating countries organising events to improve awareness and build lifelong financial skills.
The CBN’s 2026 edition reflects a broader strategy to deepen financial inclusion and strengthen consumer awareness as part of ongoing efforts to support economic stability and growth in Nigeria.
