First Asset Management, a subsidiary of First HoldCo Plc, has launched a 100 million Smart Investors campaign to tackle the challenge of financial illiteracy and restore investor confidence in the nation’s capital market.
In a statement on Saturday, the firm stated that the campaign is positioned as a direct strategy to rebuild investor confidence and democratise financial knowledge across the nation.
Nigeria’s investment market has huge potential, yet it remains underutilised due to widespread distrust, misinformation, and past losses suffered through fraudulent schemes. Nigerians recently lost huge sums to a Ponzi scheme. Reports show that less than five per cent of adult Nigerians currently participate in the formal capital market, and as few as 0.25 per cent invest in mutual funds, a stark contrast to participation rates often exceeding 50 per cent in developed economies like the United States. This highlights the urgent need to restore trust and improve access to credible investment education.
According to the firm, the initiative was conceived from the need to address the anxieties that have historically prevented countless Nigerians from participating in real wealth-building investments. Drawing on its track record of trust and market expertise, First Asset aims to cultivate a new generation of informed, confident investors.
The firm stated, “At the heart of the initiative is a comprehensive investor education programme. The goal is to transform casual interest in investing into active participation within a supportive, well-informed community. Beyond expanding investor numbers, the movement seeks to improve the quality of investment decisions by equipping individuals with the tools to evaluate opportunities and avoid fraudulent platforms.
It added, “For everyday Nigerians, the initiative promises simplified, practical financial education that demystifies investing. By building a strong peer network through a nationwide community platform, it seeks to reduce the isolation often faced by new investors and promote collective financial empowerment.”
The firm added that the 100 Million Smart Investors movement represents a significant investment in Nigeria’s human capital. By providing actionable steps, success stories, and sustained education, First Asset Management aims to usher in a new era of financial literacy and participation. This initiative would not only enhance the financial well-being of individuals and families but also contribute to the broader economic prosperity of the nation by channelling dormant capital into productive sectors of the economy.
To kickstart this bold quest, the brand has planned a series of free educational bootcamps, podcasts, and community engagement with industry experts and leaders.
