By Ayomide Otitoju
Polaris Bank has reinforced its commitment to youth financial education through a financial literacy outreach at Community Day Secondary School, Tsaski Yan’albasa, in Charanchi Local Government Area of Katsina State, as part of activities marking Global Money Week 2026.
The interactive session impacted 90 students and 10 teachers, providing practical lessons on savings, budgeting, responsible spending, banking fundamentals, financial goal-setting, peer influence, and informed decision-making. The initiative forms part of the bank’s continued participation in Global Money Week, a worldwide campaign designed to equip young people with essential money management, savings, entrepreneurship, and financial literacy skills, while supporting the financial inclusion objectives of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN).
Speaking on the importance of the initiative, Polaris Bank Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Kayode Lawal, said financial literacy remains a critical foundation for building a responsible and economically empowered generation.
“At Polaris Bank, we believe financial literacy is one of the most important foundations for building a responsible and economically empowered generation. When young people understand the value of savings, budgeting and responsible financial choices early in life, they are better positioned to manage opportunities, avoid poor money decisions and contribute meaningfully to the economy,” Lawal said.
He noted that the bank’s participation in Global Money Week reflects its long-term commitment to financial inclusion, youth development, and community impact.
“For us, this is not just about teaching students how to save money. It is about helping them understand the relationship between discipline, planning, financial responsibility and future success. We will continue to support platforms that take financial education closer to young people, especially in communities where early exposure can make a lasting difference,” he added.
The session, held at the school adopted by the Polaris Bank CEO, featured expert-led presentations and discussions. It commenced with an overview of Global Money Week and the importance of cultivating a savings culture, facilitated by Mr. Patrick Sule. Participants were also educated on the role of the CBN in the financial sector, financial discipline, goal-setting, and prudent spending habits.
Further discussions focused on banking essentials and managing peer influence, highlighting how financial institutions help individuals safeguard, manage, and grow their funds. Students were encouraged to make responsible financial decisions and resist lifestyle pressures that could negatively affect their financial future.
Another segment addressed financial responsibility and legitimate income-generating opportunities for young people, stressing the importance of developing sound financial habits early to support personal and academic success.
Representing the Managing Director at the event, Mr. Dahiru Tukur, Group Head, Kano Group, Polaris Bank, provided simplified regulatory insights and led an interactive “Smart Money Talk” session aimed at reinforcing the day’s lessons.
“The decisions you make with money today, no matter how small, can shape your future. Learning how to save, spend wisely and avoid negative financial pressure is a major step toward becoming responsible and independent adults. Polaris Bank is proud to be part of this journey with you,” Tukur told the students.
To bridge theory and practice, participants were introduced to the Polaris Young Achievers Account, with explanations on its benefits, account-opening requirements, and suitability for encouraging early savings habits. The programme concluded with a question-and-answer session that attracted enthusiastic participation from students, followed by the distribution of branded gift items.
Commending the initiative, the Principal of Community Day Secondary School, Samaila Umar Sanda, described the programme as practical and impactful.
“Programmes like this help students connect classroom learning with real-life financial decisions. By engaging them early, Polaris Bank is helping to build a generation that understands money, values savings and can make better economic choices,” he said.
He added that the lessons shared would help students appreciate the importance of discipline, planning, and a positive attitude toward money management.
The outreach underscores Polaris Bank’s commitment to education, youth empowerment, financial inclusion, and sustainable community development. Through Global Money Week and similar initiatives, the bank continues to support national efforts aimed at equipping young Nigerians with the knowledge and skills needed to make informed financial decisions and participate effectively in the formal economy.
The initiative also aligns with Polaris Bank’s commitment to the United Nations Environment Programme Finance Initiative (UNEP-FI) Principles for Responsible Banking, particularly its focus on clients, customers, financial health, and inclusion, while promoting financial resilience and economic empowerment among young people.
