FCMB Supports Nigerian Youth in Developing Money‑Management Skills

First City Monument Bank (FCMB) has expanded its financial literacy program for secondary school students across Nigeria, equipping young people with practical money‑management skills.

The effort, carried out in partnership with the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) as part of the 2026 Global Money Week celebration, reached thousands of students in the country’s six geopolitical zones.

Dubbed “Smart Money Talks,” the program was designed to introduce students to basic financial concepts early and to foster the knowledge, skills, and attitudes needed to make informed financial decisions in today’s complex economy.

Through interactive workshops held in Lagos, Kano, Abuja, Adamawa, Ogun, Imo, and Akwa‑Ibom states, participants learned about prudent resource management, budgeting, responsible spending, a culture of saving, and productive use of money.

The initiative underscores FCMB’s commitment to quality education, financial inclusion, and poverty reduction in line with the Sustainable Development Goals.

Speaking about the program, FCMB’s Divisional Head of Corporate Affairs, Diran Olojo, said that financial literacy remains a vital life skill for young people.

“This initiative goes beyond teaching money management. Financial literacy empowers people, promotes responsible behaviour, and supports long‑term economic inclusion. We want to nurture a generation that is informed, self‑reliant, and equipped to make sound financial choices.”

Olojo added that FCMB remains dedicated to investing in young Nigerians through initiatives that help them navigate life with confidence and responsibility.

During a lecture to students at Hasiyanda Secondary School in Kano, FCMB’s Zonal Head for the North‑West, Ali Yahaya, said:

“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.”

He also encouraged students to earn income responsibly through creative skills, holiday jobs, and online businesses, and urged parents to teach their children effective financial management by saving consistently and spending wisely.

Global Money Week is an annual international awareness campaign that aims to ensure children and young people acquire the financial knowledge, skills, attitudes, and behaviours necessary to make sound financial decisions and achieve financial wellbeing.

Since 2014, FCMB has provided financial education to nearly 20,000 secondary school students across Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones. The program also supports ongoing efforts to address the country’s low financial literacy levels.

By continuing to support financial education initiatives, FCMB and the CBN are helping to raise a generation better equipped to make informed choices, manage resources responsibly, and contribute meaningfully to society.