By Tare Youdeowei

Diamond Bank Plc has carried the message of financial awareness and planning to the classrooms of Secondary Schools. This time it was Henry Alex-Duduyemi Memorial College, HAMEC, Ile-Ife, Osun State. The initiative is part of activities to commemorate the Global Money Week and boost financial literacy among youths. According to the Bank, the awareness campaign is in-line with the policy of the Central Bank of Nigeria aimed at sharpening financial understanding and teaching the students how to get increased value for money through savings and investment.

Representing Uzoma Dozie, Diamond Bank CEO, Akinleye Ogunleye, Regional Manager, Ibadan Region, spoke on the topics How to Grow Money, Differences between Financial Institutions and Non-Financial Institutions, Different Types of Investment and The Benefits of Having a Saving Culture, as he told the students that effective management of their finances in adult life begins now, noting that the lessons were designed to instil financial awareness in them so they can manage money wisely when they become adults who will be responsible for the country’s economic activities.

In his address, Oluseye Thomas, Business Manager, Osogbo Branch, advised the students, stating that students who imbibe financial training make better monetary decisions compared to those who do not have such knowledge. “There are many students that do not understand how to make their money grow because they were not taught how to make wise financial decisions.” He consequently encouraged parents to open accounts for their children and allow them manage the accounts when they become teenagers.

The Principal of the school, Mrs Deborah Akinpelu, while thanking Diamond Bank noted that the enthusiasm of the students has validated the fact that training future leaders requires collective efforts and discipline. “We believe that the learning garnered during this visit will go a long way in preparing the students for the future. The Bank officials have been able to interact successfully with the students and this shows that moulding tomorrow’s leaders is a collective endeavour and that even bankers can make good teachers.”

Speaking on behalf of the students, Oluwaseun Omotoso, Head boy of the School, said that the lessons have broadened their horizon and hoped to continue to spread the message of how to invest money so it does not lose value due to inflation.