… MD/CEO Lawal says building a financially responsible generation begins with early education
By Rashidat O. Okunlade | Lagos
Polaris Bank has reaffirmed its commitment to promoting financial literacy and responsible money management among youths through its World Savings Day engagement in Katsina.
The educational initiative, designed to instill a savings culture and encourage financial discipline from an early age, brought the Bank’s message of financial empowerment directly to students in the state.
‘Building a Financially Responsible Generation’
The Managing Director/CEO of Polaris Bank, Mr. Kayode Lawal, reiterated the Bank’s commitment to advancing financial inclusion through education and meaningful community engagement.
“At Polaris Bank, we recognise that building a financially responsible generation begins with education. Our engagement with students through initiatives such as World Savings Day reflects our commitment to ensuring that young people understand the value of saving, financial planning and responsible money management,” he said.
“We are deliberate about supporting initiatives that equip the next generation with practical financial knowledge and the confidence to make sound financial choices.”
Financial Literacy as a Life Skill
Speaking at the programme on behalf of the MD/CEO, the Group Head, Kano Group, Mr. Abba Jarma, emphasised the importance of introducing financial education to young people early enough to shape their financial decisions and habits.
“Financial literacy is an essential life skill that every young person should acquire early. Beyond understanding the importance of saving, students need to develop the discipline to manage money responsibly, set financial goals and make informed financial decisions,” Jarma stated.
“At Polaris Bank, we believe that equipping young people with this knowledge will help prepare them for greater financial responsibility and a more secure future.”
He encouraged the students to put the lessons learnt into practice and appreciated the school management, teachers, organisers, and other stakeholders for their contributions to the successful delivery of the programme.
Interactive Learning and Practical Banking
The programme provided an interactive learning platform for students to understand the importance of saving, setting financial goals, making informed spending decisions, and developing sound money management habits.
The engagement featured an interactive question-and-answer session, during which students demonstrated their understanding of the topics discussed. To recognise their participation and encourage active learning, Polaris Bank-branded gift items were presented to some of the students.
Beyond the financial literacy session, the Bank also used the opportunity to introduce relevant banking solutions for students and teachers. Information on account-opening requirements was shared, suitable banking products were discussed, and account-opening packages were distributed to facilitate access to the Bank’s services.
The World Savings Day initiative reflects Polaris Bank’s broader commitment to financial inclusion, financial education, and community development. By engaging students at an early stage, the Bank seeks to nurture a generation of financially informed individuals who understand the value of saving, appreciate the importance of financial planning, and are better equipped to make responsible financial choices.
The programme concluded with an expression of appreciation to the students, teachers, school management, and all stakeholders for their participation and support.
Why It Matters
In a country where financial literacy rates remain alarmingly low, and where many adults struggle with basic money management, Polaris Bank’s decision to target students is a strategic and commendable intervention.
Financial habits are formed early. By catching young people in secondary school before they are exposed to the complexities of independent financial life the Bank is planting seeds that can yield lifelong benefits. Teaching students the value of saving, goal-setting, and informed spending can help prevent the culture of impulsive consumption and financial indiscipline that often leads to debt and hardship later in life.
Furthermore, the practical approach of the initiative is noteworthy. It is not just a lecture; it is an engagement that combines interactive sessions with real-world banking solutions. By providing information on account opening and distributing account-opening packages, Polaris Bank is actively bridging the gap between financial education and financial inclusion.
However, the true measure of success for such programmes will be the long-term impact on the students’ behaviour. If these students grow up with a habit of saving, they will not only be better equipped to manage their personal finances, but they will also contribute to a more stable and resilient economy. Polaris Bank has taken a vital step in the right direction.
© ROTAMEDIANEWS Digital Newspaper & BusinessEcho Magazine by ROTA Media Concepts
For advert placement, news tips and subscription enquiries, contact the Publisher/Editor-in-Chief, Rashidat Olushola Okunlade.
rotamedianews@gmail.com businessechomag@gmail.com
