Enape Urges Financial Discipline Against Post-Retirement Poverty

Victoria Ayishetu Enape, a Professor of Accounting and Finance has urged Nigerians to embrace financial discipline as a safeguard against post-retirement hardship, warning that poor money management is pushing many citizens into avoidable poverty.

Enape made the call during her professorial reception and book presentation on Saturday in Abuja, where she unveiled her latest work titled “Financial Literacy: Navigating Wealth in the 21st Century.”

Reflecting on her professional journey, the professor lamented that too many Nigerians who once lived comfortably now face financial distress, particularly civil servants who retire without proper planning.

“I have seen people who once had names and influence but are now beggars. I have also seen civil servants who, after decades of service, retired without a plan and soon lost everything they had. These experiences convinced me to return to my true professional calling — guiding people on how to manage their money,” she said.

Enape stressed that financial success requires more than earning salaries or running businesses. It involves deliberate planning, saving, investing, and preparing for uncertainties, which she believes her training and experience uniquely position her to teach.

According to her, building wealth must also include preparing the next generation to manage resources wisely:

“If we can teach young people to value money, plan their resources, and build lasting wealth, then we will have succeeded in creating a legacy that will outlive us.”

At the event, Sebastian Hon (SAN), who presented the book, commended Enape’s courage and commitment, noting that financial wisdom transcends gender and profession.

“What impressed me most was not just her message, but the fact that as a woman she stood boldly to guide others on how to channel their resources. Money management is universal — it is about discipline and foresight,” he remarked.

Also, Mr. Nkom Simon, Director-General of the Nigeria Mining Cadastre Office and Chairman of the Occasion, emphasized that financial literacy is essential not just for personal survival but also for national development. He linked Enape’s advocacy to Nigeria’s broader quest to diversify its economy.

“With solid minerals present across all 36 states and the FCT, every community is endowed with wealth. Harnessing this potential requires financial discipline, innovation, and proactive thinking,” Nkom said, describing Professor Enape as a dependable colleague who consistently promotes accountability and transparency.

In her remarks, the Mother of the Day, Mrs. Titi Abubakar, wife of the former Vice President, highlighted the importance of instilling financial discipline in children early in life.

She encouraged parents to introduce children to simple savings culture practices, such as coin collection boxes, which she said could shape their financial habits as adults.

“Opening the savings box at the end of the month excites children and motivates them to do more. This habit, if nurtured, prevents young people from struggling with money management later in life,” she advised.

Mrs. Abubakar further urged parents to invest in educational materials on financial literacy, stressing that such resources could benefit both children and adults.

The professor’s renewed commitment comes at a time when experts warn of rising poverty and poor retirement planning among Nigerians, underscoring the urgent need for financial literacy education at all levels.