Unity Bank Plc, a leading financial institution in Nigeria, has demonstrated a strong commitment to youth empowerment and financial literacy by actively participating in the 2025 Global Money Week, an annual global initiative designed to educate young people about financial matters. The bank’s involvement encompassed a multifaceted approach, including training sessions in thirteen secondary schools across the country and the launch of a youth-centric digital banking platform called GenFi. These initiatives underscore Unity Bank’s recognition of the crucial role financial education plays in shaping the future economic well-being of young Nigerians, particularly in a rapidly evolving digital landscape.
The theme of the 2025 Global Money Week, “Think before you follow, wise money tomorrow,” emphasizes the importance of critical thinking in financial decision-making, especially in an era dominated by social media influences and digital distractions. Unity Bank’s training sessions tackled this theme head-on, equipping students with the necessary skills to navigate the complex world of finance responsibly. The sessions included interactive discussions, practical exercises on money management, and engaging quizzes to reinforce learning. To further incentivize participation and highlight achievement, students who excelled in the sessions received branded gift items, creating a positive association with financial literacy.
The training sessions extended across various regions of Nigeria, reaching a diverse student population. Ebenezer Kolawole, the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of Unity Bank, actively supported the initiative and delivered a compelling message to students at Boys Model Secondary School, Owerri, Imo State. Represented by William Odigie, the bank’s Zonal Head for South South/South East, Kolawole stressed the significance of cultivating sound financial habits from a young age, emphasizing saving, investing, and prudent financial management. He cautioned against impulsive financial behavior, particularly in the online realm, where alluring advertisements and peer pressure can lead to unwise spending.
The launch of GenFi, Unity Bank’s digital banking app designed specifically for youths aged 8 to 18, complements the bank’s Global Money Week activities. This innovative platform provides a gamified learning experience, encouraging children and teenagers to develop smart money habits through interactive games, goal-setting features, and parental guidance options. By incorporating elements of fun and engagement, GenFi aims to make financial education more accessible and appealing to young users, fostering a positive attitude towards money management from an early age.
The combined efforts of the in-school training sessions and the GenFi digital platform demonstrate Unity Bank’s comprehensive approach to youth financial literacy. These initiatives not only impart valuable financial knowledge and skills but also aim to cultivate a culture of responsible financial behavior among young Nigerians. By equipping young people with the tools to make informed financial decisions, Unity Bank is contributing to the long-term economic empowerment of individuals and the nation as a whole.
Global Money Week, coordinated in Nigeria by the Central Bank of Nigeria in collaboration with the Bankers’ Committee and Junior Achievement Nigeria, provides a valuable platform for financial institutions like Unity Bank to contribute to the financial education of young people. This collaborative effort amplifies the message of financial literacy and ensures a wider reach, impacting a larger segment of the youth population. By actively participating in this global initiative, Unity Bank aligns itself with the broader goal of promoting financial inclusion and empowering the next generation of financially responsible citizens.
