The head of sales and business development at FCMB Microfinance Bank, Friday Nwokolo, has urged young students to develop the habit of saving to secure a stable financial future and foster self-reliance.
Nwokolo gave this advice during a pep talk at Eleyele Grammar School in Ibadan, Oyo State, as part of the activities for this year’s Financial Inclusion Week, held from October 15 to 18, 2024.
During the event, gifts were also distributed to the students.
When asked about the importance of promoting financial stability among children, Nwokolo said: “Money plays a crucial role in our daily lives, including building a home. Encouraging children to start saving at an early age, no matter how little, is essential for their development.
“Teaching them the value of money and how to manage it will help them prioritize their spending and develop discipline and self-reliance.”
He further emphasised the importance of hygiene, adding, “I also encourage them to practice cleanliness and personal hygiene. Staying healthy reduces the need for medications, which, in turn, reduces spending on healthcare.”
Mrs. Oyin Balogun, a teacher at the school, thanked FCMFB on behalf of the principal and students for choosing their school for this initiative, highlighting the honor of educating future leaders on saving and hygiene.
The bank also extended its outreach to a remote community in Ekerin Ologuneru, Ibadan, where palliatives were distributed to residents.
As part of the celebration, FCMFB visited and appreciated long-term customers, including Mrs. Blessing David, a wine and liquor distributor, who praised the bank’s financial support through loans that helped her business grow.
“I’ve been with the bank for over six years, and they’ve supported me with loans and flexible repayment plans that have allowed my business to thrive. If they could increase the loan amounts, it would benefit both the bank and us as business owners,” she said.
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Other activities to mark the event included a market storm to raise awareness about the bank at Agbeni and Ogunpa markets, and a health walk from the bank’s head office in Challenge to Iyana Ade Oyo, aimed at promoting exercise as a key to a healthy lifestyle.
The event concluded with games and the presentation of awards to outstanding staff members who have demonstrated excellent performance and long-term dedication to the bank.
Mr. Nwokolo, one of the award recipients, expressed gratitude on behalf of the staff for the recognition, pledging continued commitment to making FCMFB a leading financial institution in Nigeria.
He also thanked customers for their continued loyalty, adding, “Financial Inclusion Week is celebrated worldwide every year. This year’s theme was ‘Shaping the Next Decade of Inclusive Finance.’”