Young Nigerians have been urged by the chief executive of Unity Bank Plc, Mr Ebenezer Kolawole, to embrace a savings culture.
The bank executive, while addressing students of Alvana Model Secondary School, Owerri, Imo State, also advised them to see savings as a lifelong discipline for creating stability and financial resilience.
Mr Kolawole was in Owerri for a financial literacy training organized by the company to mark this year’s World Savings Day themed Beyond Savings – Building Financial Resilience.
He was represented by Unity Bank’s Zonal Head for South East/South South, Mr William Odigie.
The CEO reaffirmed Unity Bank’s commitment to deepening financial inclusion among young Nigerians, stressing “savings is foundational to financial planning, financial management and investment, and therefore the youth must imbibe the culture of savings not just as mere financial activity, but to enable them to create financial security and independence in the long run.”
He noted that Unity Bank continues to prioritise financial literacy initiatives because early exposure to money management helps young people mitigate uncertainties and economic shocks that may hinder their ability to meeting goals.
The lender participated in nationwide Financial Literacy Training sessions held simultaneously across the country, an initiative led by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), the Bankers’ Committee, Deposit Money Banks and Junior Achievement Nigeria, aimed at improving financial inclusion and equipping young people with essential money management skills.
Participants were exposed students to practical lessons on budgeting, financial goals and seminar classes and workshops.
World Savings Day, celebrated annually on October 31, promotes the importance of savings as a cornerstone of economic resilience.
In Nigeria, Deposit Money Banks collaborate with the CBN and partner organisations to deliver training programmes that equip students with lifelong financial skills.