Financial literacy has been described as a strong catalyst to financial inclusion and wealth creation that will aid the nation’s economic growth.
This was stated by the Executive Director, Heritage Bank Limited, Mrs. Mary Akpobome, in her opening remarks, at the Financial Literacy Day Programme organised by the bank at the University of Ilorin Secondary School, Ilorin, Kwara State recently.
Akpobome, who was represented by the Divisional Head, Public Sector, Heritage Bank, Mrs. Moji Niran – Oladunni, explained that the bank’s financial literacy programme is a platform to help children and young adults establish a positive relationship with money.
The programme, she added, is a key enabler to the achievement of financial inclusion that will sustain economic growth and development in the country.
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“At Heritage Bank, the importance of financial inclusion for the youth cannot be over-emphasised; the youth represents a vital force for socio-economic development and hence, the need to begin to work with young people through educational institutions. As a bank, we are here to grow with you and see you create wealth, preserve and transfer wealth across generations. This must begin with being financially literate,” she said.
Addressing the students, an education advocate teenager and Heritage Bank’s ambassador, Miss Zuriel Oduwole, noted that financial literacy is about how to earn money and preserve it for the future. Oduwole, who had held meetings with more than 18 Presidents and Prime Ministers on youth and education, averred that education is not only about passing subjects like Chemistry, Biology or Economics, but about learning new things that will help the learner in the future.
Earlier, the Principal of the school, Mrs. Nike Jaiyeola thanked Heritage Bank and the CBN for the initiative and described the programme as a valuable contribution to the life of the youth. Thisday
