By Modupe Gbadeyanka
The Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) has reiterated its commitment to promoting financial literacy among young Nigerians, by encouraging them to learn how good financial decisions can better their lives now and in the future, and ultimately grow the economy.
Head of Corporate Communications at the NSE, Mr Olumide Orojimi pointed out that “Improving financial literacy is at the core of what we do at the NSE because we recognize that the ability to make well-informed financial decisions plays an important part in the ability of individuals to manage financial affairs well, a factor that can have either a negative or positive ripple effect on the economy.
“From 2014 when the Exchange started celebrating the Global Money Week, we have been able to reach over 7,170 students from over 83 schools. This week alone, we impacted over 4,117 students from over 29 secondary schools.”
Mr Orojimi made this disclosure as the NSE joined more than 960 organizations in over 130 countries to celebrate the 2017 Global Money Week themed ‘Learn. Save. Earn’ between March 27 and 31, 2017.
The Global Money Week is an annual global celebration, initiated by Child & Youth Finance International (CYFI), with local and regional events and activities aimed at raising awareness of the importance of financial education and financial inclusion for children and youths.
In support of Global Money Week, the Exchange organized a series of educational programs in partnership with First Bank Ltd, Access Bank Plc and AIESEC Nigeria, aimed at engaging young people in knowledge sharing on how money works, saving, investing, creating livelihood, gaining employment and entrepreneurship.
Activities for the week included a Closing Gong ceremony at the Exchange, excursions to the trading floor, interactive session with executive management of the Exchange, financial literacy fair and school outreach programmes carried out in communities across our various branches.
Speaking in her welcome remarks, Acting Head, Corporate Services Division, NSE, Ms Pai Gamde, stated that “the Global Money Week is of strategic importance to both The Nigerian Stock Exchange as an organization and its various stakeholders. It is an excellent opportunity to share with the country’s future leaders tips on how to build a financially savvy future”.
“As a sustainable stock exchange, we are committed to advancing the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), one of which is Quality Education for all by 2030 – SDG number 4. At the Exchange, we are playing our part in building a financial savvy generation, by implementing and supporting a number of programmes that contribute to raising the level of financial literacy in Nigeria”, she added.
Adedapo Adesanya 
Dipo Olowookere