Two hundred young women from four local government areas of Lagos have been trained on financial literacy under the theme “From Pocket Money to Prosperity.”
The beneficiaries, selected from Kosofe, Ikorodu, Lagos Island, and Somolu local government areas, were empowered by the Humanity Family Foundation for Peace and Development (HUFFPED) with support from the French Embassy in Nigeria.
HUFFPED’s Executive Director for Programmes, Mr. Henry Adenigba, said the initiative aimed to enhance the financial capability of adolescent girls and young women, helping them make informed money decisions, cultivate saving habits, and identify safe and practical income opportunities.
Mr. Adenigba noted that the programme addresses the challenge of financial exclusion among young women, promoting economic empowerment, financial independence, and gender equality
.The Project Manager, Mr. Damilola Kalejaiye, who facilitated one of the sessions, said the training covered key topics such as understanding money, differentiating between needs and wants, budgeting, and developing consistent saving habits.
He urged participants to move beyond managing pocket money to building long-term financial stability and prosperity.
Another facilitator, Mrs. Mosunmola Balogun, engaged the beneficiaries through participatory and hands-on learning methods, including the use of savings boxes, mobile tools, and group contributions for personal financial goals.
Participants also learned creative and safe ways to earn income through skills such as tailoring, braiding, baking, and digital freelancing.
At the end of the sessions, participants demonstrated improved understanding of budgeting, saving, and income management.
Many expressed confidence in making financial decisions and formed peer support groups to encourage savings and small business ventures.
Some participants described the training as eye-opening and life-changing, saying it fostered responsibility, confidence, and a clearer vision for self-reliance.
Reporting by Yemisi Dada