Lagos State First Lady, 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 made this declaration while delivering the concluding address at the 2025 Financial Literacy Sensitization Programme, held at the First Lady’s Banquet Hall, Lagos House, Ikeja, on Tuesday.
Addressing the beneficiaries of the initiative, Sanwo-Olu 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 stated, underscoring the importance of equipping individuals with financial skills rather than mere handouts.
The event, which brought together representatives from First City Monument Bank (FCMB), Providus Bank, the Ministry of Commerce, Trade, and Investment, and the Lagos State Employment Trust Fund (LSETF), provided practical strategies for financial management, investment decisions, and business sustainability.
Sanwo-Olu highlighted that the initiative was not just about distributing empowerment tools but ensuring beneficiaries had the requisite knowledge to “maximize these resources” effectively.
“Providing tools alone is not enough; equipping beneficiaries with financial literacy is even more critical,” she affirmed.
Since the inception of her office in May 2019, the First Lady said she has prioritised initiatives that enhanced financial self-reliance, particularly for those facing economic hardship.
She stressed that financial literacy is a “crucial skill that enables individuals to navigate personal finance complexities, make sound investment decisions, and avoid debt traps.”
Speaking on the broader impact of financial literacy, Sanwo-Olu noted: “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.”
The First Lady encouraged beneficiaries to apply the lessons learnt, engage with experts, and take control of their financial future.
“As you leave today, I encourage you to put into practice the knowledge you have gained. Engage with our experts, ask further questions, and continue your journey towards financial independence,” she urged.
She reiterated the unwavering commitment of her office to supporting the Lagos State Government in bridging financial inclusion gaps and fostering economic sustainability.
“By providing access to empowerment tools and financial education, we aim to bridge the financial inclusion gap and promote sustainable economic growth across the state,” she assured.
She further called for collective effort in building a financially literate society, saying, “Together, let us build a financially literate society where every Lagosian can thrive and contribute to our shared prosperity.”
