NYSC, NGX partner to boost financial literacy, investment culture among corps members

The National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) has partnered with the Nigerian Exchange Group (NGX) to promote financial literacy, stock trading and investment culture among Corps Members as part of efforts to empower young Nigerians with the knowledge and skills needed for long-term financial security.

Olakunle Nafiu, director-general of the NYSC, disclosed this during a visit to the Nigerian Exchange Group in Lagos, where he also participated in the Closing Gong Ceremony.

According to a statement issued on Thursday by Caroline Embu, Director of Information and Public Relations, the NYSC boss described the collaboration between the scheme and the Nigerian capital market ecosystem as a strategic initiative that would expose corps members to investment opportunities and deepen their understanding of stock market operations.

Nafiu said the partnership would enable corps members to grasp the fundamentals of stock trading and make informed financial decisions that could positively impact their future.

He noted that the collaboration was long overdue, considering the NYSC’s 53-year history and its mandate of preparing Nigerian youths for productive national service and responsible citizenship.

“Today we embrace change, a new relationship that will empower our youths with financial literacy that will open doors of investment opportunities previously out of their reach,” he said.

According to him, the partnership represents a commitment to the future by equipping Corps Members with the knowledge and tools required to participate effectively in the capital market.

“This partnership is a commitment to the future by equipping the NYSC to participate in the capital market,” Nafiu added.

Speaking during the visit, Alhaji Umaru Kwairanga, Chairman of the Nigerian Exchange Group, welcomed the NYSC Director-General and expressed the group’s readiness to strengthen collaboration with the Scheme and other market operators.

He commended the NYSC for its longstanding role in promoting national unity and youth development through its various programmes and activities across the country.

Kwairanga said Nigeria’s financial ecosystem offers numerous opportunities that young people can leverage to build wealth and contribute to economic growth.

“We see immense opportunity in exploring collaboration with the NYSC to advance financial literacy among Corps Members across the country,” he stated.

He added that the partnership would encourage a stronger savings culture among young Nigerians while boosting individual participation in the growth and development of the national economy.

Also speaking, Jude Chiemeka, Chief Executive Officer of Nigerian Exchange Limited, revealed that the exchange currently has more than 323 listed securities, providing investors with a wide range of opportunities.

He explained that the Nigerian Exchange is regarded as a frontier market and has continued to enjoy significant goodwill among investors and stakeholders.

Chiemeka described the visit of the NYSC Director-General as a positive step towards building a mutually beneficial partnership that would expand financial education and investment awareness among Corps Members nationwide.

He further noted that the exchange maintains partnerships with several renowned stock exchanges across the world, creating additional opportunities for growth and global engagement.

According to the statement, the collaboration is expected to complement ongoing NYSC efforts aimed at enhancing entrepreneurship, financial inclusion and economic empowerment among Nigerian youths through its various training and development programmes.