By Ayomide Otitoju
The Nigeria Deposit Insurance Corporation (NDIC) has highlighted the importance of cultivating savings and prudence among secondary school students, emphasizing the value of financial literacy for future leaders. This message was conveyed by Ajiya Bazarma, NDIC Zonal Controller for Bauchi, during a visit to Government Day Secondary School, Gandu, in Gombe State as part of the 2024 World Savings Day celebration, themed “Act of Humanity.”
Bazarma explained that Gombe was chosen to broaden the corporation’s outreach within the zone, following a similar sensitization event held in Bauchi State in 2023. “I’m here with my team to educate students on the importance of savings. These young Nigerians are the leaders of tomorrow, and by teaching them the habit of saving, we’re equipping them with financial literacy that will enable them to manage their finances wisely,” Bazarma stated.
He further elaborated on NDIC’s role in ensuring bank stability and safeguarding depositors’ funds. “We supervise banks to protect depositors, ensuring that bank owners don’t misuse customer funds. Our oversight prevents embezzlement and allows us to intervene if necessary, providing insured funds to depositors,” he added.
Usman Buba, Principal of GDSS Gandu, expressed gratitude for NDIC’s efforts, recognizing the lasting impact financial literacy can have on students, especially those with entrepreneurial skills but lacking a saving habit. “This initiative is invaluable; it will truly benefit our students by instilling a culture of saving that they can apply in their personal and professional lives,” Buba remarked.
Dr. Aishatu Maigari, the Gombe State Commissioner for Education, represented by Isa Doho, the Director of School Sports and Extracurricular Education, also praised NDIC’s initiative. He encouraged students to embrace the lessons from World Savings Day, describing it as a program that “offers essential resources to help students make better financial decisions.”
