Mr. Kolawole gave the charge while addressing students of Alvana Model Secondary School, Owerri, Imo State, as part of the financial literacy training organized by the Bank to mark this year’s World Savings Day.

Represented by Mr. William Odigie, Unity Bank’s Zonal Head, South East/South South, Mr. Kolawole reaffirmed Unity Bank’s commitment to deepening financial inclusion among young Nigerians as it joined global institutions to commemorate this year’s World Savings Day, themed “Beyond Savings – Building Financial Resilience.”

The Bank 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.

Speaking during the training, Mr. Kolawole stressed that “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 training sessions, facilitated by Unity Bank staff across multiple states, 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.

Unity Bank’s participation reflects its ongoing dedication to supporting youth development and strengthening the financial literacy ecosystem across the country.

The announcement was made during the World Savings Day training held at Emerald Fields School, Calabar, Cross River State, as part of the Bank’s nationwide initiative to mark the global event.

World Savings Day is observed in Nigeria as an initiative of the Central Bank of Nigeria, Bankers Committee and Junior Achievement Nigeria to drive financial inclusion with the vehicle of Financial Literacy Training which is held in secondary schools across the country.

Speaking at the event, Mrs. Tomi Somefun, Unity Bank’s managing director/CEO, represented by Mrs. Patricia Ahunanya, the chief compliance officer, emphasized the importance of instilling good financial habits early in life.

She explained that the upcoming app would equip students with tools to set SMART financial goals, understand the power of compound interest, and build financial safety nets through savings and prudent money management.

“Financial literacy is the foundation of a secure future. By teaching students to distinguish between needs and wants, budgeting, and embracing delayed gratification, we empower them to take charge of their financial journeys. The new app will serve as a practical tool to support these lessons and help young Nigerians build a culture of savings,” Mrs. Somefun stated.

The training session in Calabar, one of 16 held simultaneously across secondary schools in Nigeria, aimed to instil essential money management skills. Participants were exposed to simulations on earning, budgeting, spending wisely, and understanding the principles of borrowing and saving. Unity Bank’s representatives guided the students through interactive discussions, encouraging them to set financial goals and cultivate habits that support long-term financial stability.

World Savings Day, celebrated annually on October 31, aims to promote the importance of savings and financial awareness globally.

In Nigeria, the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), in collaboration with the Banker’s Committee, Deposit Money Banks, and Junior Achievement Nigeria, coordinated activities to engage students nationwide.

Unity Bank’s initiative aligns with the CBN’s financial inclusion strategy by encouraging young Nigerians to embrace financial literacy early.

The Bank’s upcoming app, designed specifically for children and teenagers, will complement this effort by providing an engaging platform for setting savings goals, tracking progress, and building healthy financial habits.

With financial literacy training held in six geopolitical zones, Unity Bank reinforces its commitment to youth development and capacity building.

This initiative aligns with the Central Bank of Nigeria’s (CBN) directive for all financial institutions to implement financial literacy programmes aimed at students, youth, and the public.

The goal is to instil a culture of financial discipline, savings, and prudent money management practices among Nigerians.

At the event, Tolani Jemi-Alade, chief of Business Planning, Operations, and Resources at 9PSB, addressed the students, underscoring the importance of cultivating positive financial habits, particularly considering economic uncertainties.

She stressed the need for young individuals to integrate into the formal financial system, stating, “We encourage every young person with a regular income to open a bank account as an essential step towards financial independence and savings for future needs. Money is necessary for day-to-day transactions and to manage unforeseen circumstances. Early planning is crucial, as these needs are inevitable.”

Tolani further highlighted the significance of World Savings Day, as championed by CBN, which aims to raise awareness of financial literacy and promote a culture of saving, particularly among students and youth.

She emphasized the importance of understanding and leveraging formal financial services for long-term financial security.

Oladimeji Saka, Lead for Retail Banking and Customer Acquisition at 9PSB, echoed these sentiments, noting that financial literacy should begin at an early age. He advised that parents play an instrumental role in guiding their children through transitional stages to adulthood, equipping them with the necessary financial knowledge to manage their finances responsibly.

In his remarks, Mr. Romanus Emegwakor, the vice principal academics, who represented the Principal of Fountain Heights Secondary School, expressed his gratitude to 9PSB for their commitment to empowering students with financial knowledge.

“We are extremely appreciative of 9PSB for this invaluable financial literacy programme. It is crucial for our students to understand the significance of financial discipline, and we believe this initiative will help them develop the necessary skills to make informed financial decisions in the future,” he said.

World Savings Day is an annual global campaign dedicated to educating individuals, particularly the youth, on the importance of prudent financial planning and saving through formal banking systems.