First City Monument Bank has continued its financial literacy drive for secondary school students across Nigeria, aimed at helping young people develop money management skills.

A statement from the bank on Monday stated that the initiative, carried out in collaboration with the Central Bank of Nigeria as part of the 2026 Global Money Week 2026 celebration, reached thousands of students across the country’s six geopolitical zones.

The programme, themed “Smart Money Talks”, was designed to help students understand basic financial concepts and develop the knowledge, skills, and attitudes needed to make informed financial decisions.

Through interactive sessions in Lagos, Kano, Abuja, Adamawa, Ogun, Imo, and Akwa Ibom states, students were taught prudent resource management, budgeting, responsible spending, savings culture, and productive use of money.

According to the bank, the initiative aligns with its commitment to promoting quality education, financial inclusion, and poverty reduction in line with the Sustainable Development Goals.

Speaking on the programme, FCMB’s Divisional Head of Corporate Affairs, Diran Olojo, said financial literacy remained a critical life skill for young people.

“This initiative goes beyond teaching money management. Financial literacy empowers people, promotes responsible behaviour, and supports long-term economic inclusion. We want to nurture a generation that is informed, self-reliant, and equipped to make sound financial choices,” Olojo said.

He added that FCMB remained committed to investing in young Nigerians through initiatives designed to equip them with life skills.

In his lecture to students of Hasiyanda Secondary School, Kano, FCMB’s Zonal Head, North-west, Ali Yahaya, said, “Understanding money is one of the most important life skills you can develop. Financial literacy helps you make informed choices, avoid costly mistakes, and build a secure future regardless of your background or income level.

“Saving is not just about setting money aside; it builds discipline, resilience, and long-term thinking. Developing good financial habits early can shape opportunities and improve your future.”

He advised students to build and earn income responsibly through creative skills, holiday jobs, and online businesses. He also urged parents to teach their children effective financial management through consistent savings and prudent spending.

Global Money Week is an annual international awareness campaign aimed at ensuring that children and young people acquire the financial knowledge, skills, attitudes, and behaviours necessary to make sound financial decisions and achieve financial wellbeing.

According to the bank, FCMB has provided financial education to nearly 20,000 secondary school students across Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones since 2014. The programme also supports ongoing efforts to address low financial literacy levels in the country.

FCMB stated that the initiative, in collaboration with the CBN, is aimed at raising a generation better equipped to make informed choices, manage resources responsibly, and contribute to society.