By Olajide Tikristi J.
On March 21, 2026, AIESEC in UI held its annual financial summit, themed “Smart Money Talks,” at the Faculty of Law. The event, which formed the grand finale of the Global Money Week celebration, brought together students from various disciplines to learn, interact, and build practical financial intelligence.
The summit commenced with an opening anchored by the compere, Miss Oluwadamilola Davids. She warmly welcomed attendees before inviting Miss Onyinyechi Nwafor, the Business Development Manager, to deliver the welcome address. In her speech, Miss Nwafor emphasised the significance of financial literacy among young people, noting that the summit marked the climax of a week-long global initiative aimed at promoting smart financial habits. She encouraged students to take advantage of the knowledge shared, stressing that financial awareness is no longer optional but essential in today’s economy.
Following the welcome address, the atmosphere transitioned into an exciting and intellectually stimulating session modelled after the popular “Who Wants to Be a Millionaire” game. Moderated by Akinlawon Goodluck, the agenda Manager, alongside Demilade, the session tested participants’ knowledge on finance, economics, and general awareness.
Five students competed, displaying impressive wit and composure, with Mr Jimi, a fresher from the Department of Computer Science, emerging as the winner.
The highlight of the
The summit was a series of speeches delivered by speakers, each addressing critical aspects of financial growth and sustainability in contemporary Nigeria.
Mr Afolayan Afolarin, in his session on “Building Financial Freedom as a Young Person,” underscored the importance of discipline, consistency, and long-term planning. He explained that financial freedom is not achieved overnight but is a product of deliberate habits such as budgeting, saving regularly, acquiring valuable skills, and creating multiple streams of income. He urged students to start early, no matter how small, and to embrace financial responsibility as a lifestyle.
Miss Deborah Kadejo delivered an enlightening presentation on investment, carefully distinguishing it from mere savings. She explained that while savings involve setting money aside for future use, investment entails putting money into ventures or assets with the expectation of generating returns over time. She highlighted various investment options available to young people, including stocks, mutual funds, and small-scale businesses, while also cautioning against impulsive decisions and the need for proper research and risk assessment.
In a more contextual and policy-driven discussion, Miss Blessing Olutoye, the keynote speaker, spoke on “Building Financial Freedom in a Regulated Nigerian Economy.” She shed light on how government policies, economic fluctuations, and regulatory frameworks influence personal finance and business opportunities in Nigeria. She advised students to stay informed about economic trends, adapt to regulatory realities, and leverage opportunities within the system rather than being discouraged by its limitations.
Beyond the lectures, the summit featured interactive and recreational segments designed to reinforce learning in a relaxed atmosphere. A Vision Board game encouraged participants to creatively map out their financial goals and aspirations, with a winner emerging after a competitive and inspiring session. This activity helped attendees translate abstract financial concepts into tangible life plans.
The event also ended with a fireside chat session, where participants engaged the speakers in a question-and-answer dialogue. This segment allowed for deeper clarification on issues such as investment risks, managing income as a student, and navigating Nigeria’s economic uncertainties.
The summit successfully combined education, interaction, and entertainment, leaving participants with actionable insights and renewed motivation to take control of their financial futures. It was brought to a close at exactly 3:54 p.m., marking the end of a highly impactful and memorable event.
