Gov’s wife advocates financial literacy among residents

The wife of the Lagos State Governor, Dr. Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu, has reaffirmed her commitment to equipping residents with the financial knowledge necessary for sustainable economic growth.

She declared that “true empowerment goes beyond opening doors to opportunities – it involves guiding individuals on the right steps to thrive.”

She spoke at the 2025 Financial Literacy Sensitisation Programme, held at the First Lady’s Banquet Hall, Lagos House, Ikeja, on Tuesday.

Addressing the beneficiaries of the initiative, Ibijoke emphasised the transformative power of financial education in fostering long-term prosperity.

“Give a man a fish, and you feed him for a day; teach a man to fish, and you feed him for a lifetime,” she remarked, underscoring the importance of equipping individuals with financial skills rather than mere handouts.

The event, which brought together representatives from First City Monument Bank, Providus Bank, the Ministry of Commerce, Trade, and Investment, and the Lagos State Employment Trust Fund, provided practical strategies for financial management, investment decisions, and business sustainability.

Mrs Sanwo-Olu  highlighted that the initiative was not just about distributing empowerment tools but ensuring beneficiaries had the requisite knowledge to “maximise these resources” effectively.

“Providing tools alone is not enough, equipping beneficiaries with financial literacy is even more critical,” she affirmed.

Speaking on the broader impact of financial literacy, she said, “By enhancing financial knowledge, we empower individuals to strategically plan for their future—whether by starting their own businesses, investing in their children’s education, or saving for unexpected circumstances.”

She encouraged beneficiaries to apply the lessons learnt, engage with experts, and take control of their financial future.