Polaris Bank Limited has reinforced its commitment to youth empowerment and financial inclusion by training students and teachers in Katsina State on essential money management skills as part of activities marking Global Money Week 2026.
The financial literacy session, held at Community Day Secondary School, Tsaski Yan’albasa in Charanchi Local Government Area, reached 90 students and 10 teachers, equipping them with practical knowledge on savings, budgeting, responsible spending, financial goal-setting, banking services, and informed decision-making.
The initiative forms part of Polaris Bank’s sustained participation in Global Money Week, a global campaign aimed at helping young people acquire the knowledge and skills needed to make sound financial decisions and contribute meaningfully to economic development.
Speaking on the significance of the programme, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Polaris Bank, Kayode Lawal, described financial literacy as 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,” he said.
Lawal noted that the bank’s involvement in Global Money Week reflects its long-term commitment to financial inclusion, youth development, and community impact.
The session featured expert-led presentations covering savings culture, financial discipline, smart spending habits, goal-setting, and the role of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) in the financial sector. Students were also educated on banking essentials and the importance of resisting negative peer pressure in financial decision-making.
Another segment focused on financial responsibility and legitimate ways young people can earn and manage money, emphasizing the value of developing strong financial habits early in life.
Representing the Managing Director at the event, Group Head, Kano Group, Polaris Bank, Dahiru Tukur, delivered regulatory insights and led an interactive “Smart Money Talk” session designed to reinforce key financial literacy 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.
Participants were also introduced to the Polaris Young Achievers Account, a savings product designed to encourage early financial discipline among young people. The session concluded with a question-and-answer segment and the distribution of branded gift items.
Principal of Community Day Secondary School, Samaila Umar Sanda, commended the initiative, describing it as a practical approach to helping students connect classroom learning with real-life financial decisions.
“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.
According to the bank, the programme underscores its commitment to education, youth development, financial inclusion, and sustainable community impact. It also aligns with the United Nations Environment Programme Finance Initiative (UNEP-FI) Principles for Responsible Banking, particularly its commitment to promoting financial health and inclusion.
Through Global Money Week and similar initiatives, Polaris Bank said it will continue supporting efforts to equip young Nigerians with the skills needed to make informed financial decisions and participate actively in the formal economy.