Emomotimi Agama, Director General of the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC)
As Nigeria celebrates Children’s Day, the country’s financial sector is taking a significant step towards securing the future of its young citizens, offering a robust investment opportunity for the future generation through whopping $8.6 trillion savings over time.
According to Emomotimi Agama, Director-General of the Nigeria Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), the country’s collective investment schemes have amassed over $8.6 trillion in savings through mutual funds.
This staggering figure highlights the vast potential for growth and development in Nigeria’s financial sector, particularly when it comes to empowering the next generation of investors.
Agama emphasised the importance of inculcating investment values in children from a young age, saying, “it is essential to start preparing them early, around investment culture, sensitising them against issues like Ponzi schemes and making them become more confident about a future that this country actually provides for them.”
“The SEC has taken concrete steps to achieve this goal, incorporating financial education and capital market education into school curricula.”
BusinessDay reports that the statement was made at “My Voice Matters” initiative, launched by Ryan and Jasmine Consult in partnership with Assetium in Abuja on Tuesday as part of Children’s Day Celebrations, aimed at equipping children with essential life skills, including financial literacy, entrepreneurship, creativity, and practical skills.
Also speaking at the event, Mary Makanjuola, Founder of Ryan and Jasmine Consult, explained, “At My Voice Matters, we believe every child has something powerful to say—and they deserve the tools, the space, and the confidence to say it well.”
The programme’s impact is evident in the enthusiasm of its young participants, such as nine-year-old, Modesire Makanjuola, who exclaimed, “I have learnt to build, to save and invest in gold, lithium and much more.”
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As Nigeria looks to the future, it is clear that empowering the next generation of investors is crucial to the country’s economic growth and development.
“With the SEC’s efforts to promote financial education and the “My Voice Matters” initiative providing a platform for children to express themselves, Nigeria is poised to unlock the potential of its young citizens.
Similarly, Monsurat Iyabode Ayoola of the Ascertium Group noted, “We make them very comfortable and rich CEOs by the time they’re of our age. That’s the dream that we want for them.
“As the country’s financial sector continues to evolve, one thing is clear: the future of Nigeria’s economy lies in the hands of its young citizens.
“By empowering them with the knowledge, skills, and confidence to succeed, Nigeria can unlock a brighter future for generations to come.
“With initiatives like “My Voice Matters” and the SEC’s efforts to promote financial education, the country is taking significant steps towards securing a prosperous future for all”.
