The Nigeria Deposit Insurance Corporation (NDIC), on Thursday called on Nigerian youths to imbibe the culture of saving, financial discipline and safe banking as part of efforts to drive national prosperity and financial inclusion.

 

The call was made during the 2026 World Savings Day celebration held at Lagelu Grammar School, Agugu, Ibadan on Thursday organized in collaboration with the Bankers’ Committee and the Central Bank of Nigeria.

 

Speaking at the event, the Oyo State Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology, Hon. Olusegun Olayiwola, represented by the Permanent Secretary, Education Inspectorate, Ibadan North, Alhaji Lukuman Kareem, while appreciating the NDIC for picking a school in Ibadan for it’s sensitisation program, said such initiatives must go beyond the classroom to shape young minds.

 

Young children cannot do things expected, except they are properly guided. And so not everything can be taught in the classroom. Sometimes issues like this come up outside the classroom.

 

“That’s why we significantly appreciate the effort of the Bankers’ Committee, NDIC, Central Bank, and all other members for this,” he said.

 

The Commissioner charged students to take the lessons seriously, noting that opportunity lost may not be easily regained.

 

He also urged teachers to cascade the training to other students and for students to enlighten their siblings at home.

 

He further advised NDIC to expand the program to include students from neighboring schools in future editions to maximize impact without extra cost of transportation.

 

In his remarks, the Assistant Director, Communication and Public Affairs, NDIC, Mr. Adegbenga Fagbuyi, said the program was designed to orientate youths on spending wisely on needs rather than wants.

 

“Every decision you make today with money is an investment in who you will be or become tomorrow,” he told the students.

 

Delivering a talk on “Smart Money “, Fagbuyi advised students on the importance of saving in banks, setting financial goals, maintaining financial discipline, and keeping good company.

 

He explained that the Financial Literacy Day is part of activities marking the Global Money Week, adopted by the Bankers’ Committee in Nigeria to mentor youths on savings and investment.

 

“Financial inclusion is bringing everybody into the financial safety net.Getting people to be involved in banking, insurance, pension and the capital market. Government wants everybody to be participants in that sector,” he said.

 

Earlier in his welcome address, the Principal of Lagelu Grammar School (Senior), Mr. Gbolagade Adeyanju, commended NDIC for selecting the school as a beneficiary of the 2026 edition, saying the program would be of immense benefit to both students and teachers.