Union Bank of Nigeria announced it had adopted St. Mary’s Private School, Broad Street, Lagos, as part of activities marking this year’s Global Money Week.

The bank said the developement was in furtherance of its commitment to the achievement financial inclusion in the country for sustained economic growth and development.

Global Money Week, (formerly Child and Youth Finance Week) is a worldwide money awareness celebration from March 10 to 17.

The initiative is aimed at globally engaging children on aspects of financial education including saving, creating livelihoods, gaining employment and entrepreneurship.

In Nigeria, the Bankers’ Committee has designated March 13 as Financial Literacy Day.

The day is being marked to focus attention on children and youth in primary and secondary schools nationwide and to empower them by enhancing their financial knowledge and planning skills.

A statement by Union Bank quoted its Group Managing Director, Mr. Emeka Emuwa, as saying, “Union Bank is firmly committed to the achievement of Financial Inclusion in Nigeria and we continue to work towards this aspiration by servicing otherwise under-banked businesses, communities and individuals across the country with our extensive network over 300 branches.”

Emuwa, who is also the Chairman of the Financial Literacy and Public Enlightenment Sub-Committee of the Bankers’ Committee, said, “Beyond this, we recognise that Financial Literacy is a key enabler in our quest for Financial Inclusion and that we must begin by ensuring that our children are properly empowered with a sound financial education”.

According to the statement, Union Bank will formally commence its adoption of St. Mary’s Private School with a visit to the school on Financial Literacy Day during which Emuwa will teach the students a module from a special Financial Literacy Curriculum developed by the non-profit economic education organisation, Junior Achievement of Nigeria.

The Bank will thereafter provide an on-going programme of Financial Literacy support for the full school year, with Union Bank staff devoting their time to teaching the students and ensuring that Financial Literacy is incorporated into the students’ learning experience.

As part of celebrations within Global Money Week, the bank will also participate in the Child and Youth Finance Fair and Exhibition organised by the Central Bank of Nigeria in Abuja. The said it would also host students from selected primary.

Source: Punch