Embrace Self-devt, Financial Literacy, Dabiri-Erewa Urges Youths

The chairman and chief executive of Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM), Abike Dabiri-Erewa, has stressed the need for young Nigerians to think outside the box and continually develop themselves to be able to have financial stability.

Speaking at the Game of Money 2.0 conference and the launch of “Transform” a book by Tope Mark-Odigie, Dabiri-Erewa while urging young Nigerians to read, said “it is important that in life, you think outside the box. Always think of the next thing you want to do to remain successful.

‘Learn to train yourself, develop yourself and be the best in whatever you and then discover who you are and what is best for you,’ Dabiri-Erewa stated.

The Game of Money conference brings together individuals with diverse experiences to share their stories and provide tools for attendees to make informed financial decisions.

Convener of the conference, writer and chief executive of Reb360, Tope Mark-Ogidie, said the Game of Money had been born from her study of money management and investing.

Ogidie, while emphasising the importance of teaching others about financial literacy, said, she believes in creating wealth through intentional actions rather than waiting for opportunities.in her book-Transform, Mark-Odigie stressed the need for people to look inwards to find and build their success.

According to her, the first edition of the Game of Money had birthed many entrepreneurs with some of the resources at the event turning into bestselling books. ‘One speaker turned his keynote speech into a bestselling book, while others started successful businesses after attending the event,’ she said.

One of the speakers at the event, Project Lead at Global Entrepreneurship Festival (GEF), Dr Summy Smart Francis, emphasised the importance of understanding the gift of success. According to Francis, success is not solely based on hard work and merit, but also on the gift of success, which can come in various forms, such as opportunities, mentorship, and endorsements.

He urged young entrepreneurs to position themselves to receive the gift of success, advising that they make themselves visible whilst building their reputation, seeking mentorship and relationships, and adding value to others.

On her part, director of Le Poshe School, Ronke Adeniyi, shared her insights on the importance of mindset and opportunity in shaping the lives of young people. “Any teachers in Nigeria are limited by their own mindset and the societal expectations placed upon them” Adeniyi said.

Adeniyi emphasised that, individuals have the power to break free from these limitations and create their own opportunities. She shared her own story of coming to Lagos 15 years ago, with limited knowledge but a strong desire to learn and grow. By leveraging her strengths, including her communication skills and passion for education, she was able to build a successful career.

Adeniyi highlighted the importance of self-awareness, noting that, ‘you have to know yourself’ and recognise your own strengths and abilities. She also emphasised the need for a supportive environment that fosters creativity and innovation, rather than simply following traditional curricula.