OPay, a leading financial technology company in Nigeria, has partnered with the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) to advance financial literacy among young Nigerians through the Global Money Week 2026 Financial Literacy Fair and Exhibition held at the CBN headquarters in Abuja.
The event took place on Tuesday, April 28, 2026, under the theme “Smart Money Talks” and brought together secondary school students from across the Federal Capital Territory. Participating schools included Doveland International School, Living Fountain International School, Government Day Secondary School Wuse, Government Science School Maitama, among others. The initiative was designed to expose young participants to practical financial knowledge, responsible money management, and the importance of developing sound financial habits early in life.
Global Money Week is an annual international awareness campaign aimed at equipping young people with the knowledge, skills, and attitudes required to make informed financial decisions. The programme is widely recognised as a global effort to promote financial inclusion, encourage savings culture, and prepare the next generation for participation in an increasingly digital financial ecosystem.
At the event, the Director of Consumer Protection and Financial Inclusion at the Central Bank of Nigeria, Dr. Aisha Isa-Olatinwo, emphasised that financial literacy remains a key pillar of national development. She noted that in today’s rapidly evolving financial environment, individuals must be equipped with adequate knowledge to navigate financial systems effectively and responsibly.
She explained that financial education is no longer optional but a necessity, especially for young people who will eventually take on greater financial responsibilities in a complex and digital economy. According to her, strengthening financial literacy among students is essential for building a more inclusive and economically stable society.
Also speaking at the event, the Head of Consumer Education and Evaluation Division at the CBN, Nelson Amuwa, said the initiative forms part of a broader strategy by the apex bank to deepen financial awareness across different segments of society, with a particular focus on young Nigerians.
He stated that encouraging early engagement with financial concepts helps to build confidence in financial decision making and promotes responsible behaviour in managing money. He added that open discussions around financial matters are essential in reducing misinformation and improving financial discipline among the youth.
According to him, Global Money Week serves as a platform to connect students with practical financial knowledge that can guide them in making informed decisions as they grow older. He stressed that financial literacy is a critical tool for personal empowerment and national economic growth.
Representing OPay at the event, the Chief Compliance Officer, Chukwudinma Okafor, reaffirmed the company’s commitment to supporting initiatives that promote financial literacy, consumer protection, and responsible use of digital financial services in Nigeria.
He stated that OPay’s partnership with the Central Bank of Nigeria reflects a shared commitment to strengthening financial inclusion and ensuring that young Nigerians are well prepared to engage safely and confidently in the financial system.
He further explained that compliance within OPay extends beyond regulatory requirements, noting that the company places strong emphasis on user education, trust building, and responsible financial behaviour. According to him, initiatives such as Global Money Week provide an important opportunity to engage directly with the next generation and equip them with essential financial knowledge.
Also speaking, the Senior Marketing Manager at OPay, Paul Iwunwa, reiterated the company’s commitment to advancing financial inclusion through early education and awareness campaigns targeted at young people.
He noted that financial literacy forms the foundation of meaningful financial inclusion and must begin at an early stage in life. He explained that by engaging students early, OPay is helping to build positive financial habits, encourage savings culture, and promote responsible spending behaviour.
He added that such interventions are crucial in developing a financially responsible generation capable of contributing positively to economic development. He further stated that OPay remains committed to supporting programmes that enhance financial understanding and accessibility.
The Financial Literacy Fair and Exhibition featured interactive sessions designed to provide students with hands on experience in money management. Participants were introduced to key financial concepts including budgeting, saving, responsible spending, and basic financial planning.
The sessions were structured to ensure that students gained practical understanding rather than theoretical knowledge alone, allowing them to relate financial concepts to real life situations. Educators at the event noted that the interactive approach significantly improved student engagement and comprehension.
Students also visited OPay’s exhibition booth, where they were introduced to various digital financial products and services designed to simplify transactions and improve access to financial tools. The experience provided them with insights into how modern financial systems operate within a technology driven economy.
The exhibition also served as an opportunity for students to interact directly with financial service providers and ask questions about digital banking, mobile payments, and safe financial practices. Many of the participants expressed interest in learning more about how technology is transforming financial services in Nigeria.
Officials at the event highlighted the importance of such engagements in bridging the gap between financial institutions and young Nigerians. They noted that early exposure to financial systems plays a critical role in shaping responsible financial behaviour in adulthood.
OPay’s participation in Global Money Week 2026 further reinforces its ongoing commitment to promoting financial inclusion in Nigeria through education, innovation, and collaboration with regulatory institutions. The company continues to support initiatives that enhance consumer awareness and encourage responsible use of digital financial services.
Since its establishment in 2018, OPay has grown into one of Nigeria’s leading fintech companies, offering a wide range of services including money transfers, bill payments, airtime and data purchases, card services, and merchant payment solutions. The company is licensed by the Central Bank of Nigeria and insured by the Nigeria Deposit Insurance Corporation, providing customers with protection and security comparable to that of traditional financial institutions.
