First City Monument Bank (FCMB) has intensified its financial literacy campaign aimed at secondary school students across Nigeria, equipping young people with essential money management skills. This initiative, conducted in partnership with the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) as part of the 2026 Global Money Week celebrations, reached thousands of students in all six geopolitical zones of the country.
Smart Money Talks Initiative
Themed 'Smart Money Talks', the program was crafted to help students grasp fundamental financial concepts early, fostering the knowledge, skills, and attitudes necessary for making informed financial decisions in a complex economic landscape. Through interactive sessions held in Lagos, Kano, Abuja, Adamawa, Ogun, Imo, and Akwa-Ibom states, participants learned about prudent resource management, budgeting, responsible spending, cultivating a saving culture, and the productive use of money.
This effort underscores FCMB's dedication to promoting quality education, financial inclusion, and poverty reduction, aligning with the Sustainable Development Goals.
FCMB's Commitment to Youth Empowerment
Speaking about the program, Diran Olojo, FCMB's Divisional Head of Corporate Affairs, emphasized that financial literacy is a critical life skill for young people. 'This initiative goes beyond teaching money management. Financial literacy empowers individuals, encourages responsible behavior, and supports long-term economic inclusion. We aim to nurture a generation that is informed, self-reliant, and equipped to make sound financial choices,' Olojo stated. He added that FCMB remains dedicated to investing in Nigerian youth through initiatives that prepare them to navigate life with confidence and responsibility.
During a lecture at Hasiyanda Secondary School in Kano, Ali Yahaya, FCMB's Zonal Head for the North-west, advised students: 'Understanding money is one of the most important life skills you can develop. Financial literacy helps you make informed choices, avoid costly mistakes, and build a secure future regardless of your background or income level. Saving is not just about setting money aside; it builds discipline, resilience, and long-term thinking. Developing good financial habits early can shape opportunities and improve your future.'
Yahaya encouraged students to build and earn income responsibly through creative skills, holiday jobs, and online businesses. He also urged parents to teach their children effective financial management by saving consistently and spending wisely.
