OPay and CBN Champion Youth Financial Literacy at Global Money Week

Key facts

• OPay partnered with the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) for Global Money Week 2026.
• The event took place on Tuesday, April 28, 2026, at the CBN headquarters in Abuja.
• Aisha Isa-Olatinwo, CBN Director of Consumer Protection and Financial Inclusion, spoke at the event.
• Nelson Amuwa, CBN Head of Consumer Education and Evaluation, also addressed attendees.
• Chukwudinma Okafor, OPay's Chief Compliance Officer, highlighted regulatory alignment.
• Paul Iwunwa, OPay Senior Marketing Manager, emphasized early financial education.
• The initiative aims to equip young people with knowledge for sound financial decisions.
• OPay was established in 2018 and is licensed by the CBN.

Fintech Giant Joins Central Bank for Financial Education Drive

OPay, a prominent Nigerian fintech company, has joined forces with the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) to bolster financial literacy among the nation's youth. The collaboration materialized at the Global Money Week 2026 Financial Literacy Fair and Exhibition, held at the CBN headquarters in Abuja on Tuesday, April 28, 2026. This annual worldwide initiative is dedicated to imparting essential knowledge and skills to young individuals, enabling them to make prudent financial choices and fostering long-term economic stability in an increasingly digital financial world. The partnership underscores a shared commitment to preparing the next generation for the complexities of modern finance. By engaging directly with students, OPay and the CBN aim to demystify financial concepts and encourage responsible money management from an early age. This effort is particularly crucial in Nigeria, where digital financial services are rapidly expanding, necessitating a well-informed populace. Global Money Week serves as a critical platform for raising awareness about the importance of financial education. Its overarching goal is to ensure that young people are not only consumers of financial services but also informed participants capable of navigating economic challenges and opportunities with confidence. The event in Abuja was designed to be interactive, offering practical insights into managing personal finances.

CBN Officials Stress Financial Literacy's Crucial Role

Aisha Isa-Olatinwo, the CBN's Director of Consumer Protection and Financial Inclusion, articulated the central bank's perspective on the significance of financial acumen. She emphasized that in the current dynamic financial environment, financial literacy has transcended being a mere option, becoming an indispensable requirement for individuals, families, and the national economy at large. Her remarks highlighted the direct correlation between an informed citizenry and robust national development. Echoing this sentiment, Nelson Amuwa, Head of the Consumer Education and Evaluation Division at the CBN, elaborated on the initiative's broader objectives. He stated that the program is designed to instill the confidence necessary for young people to engage effectively with the financial system. Amuwa pointed out that fostering open dialogues about money is fundamental to securing a stable financial future for the youth. Both officials underscored that understanding money management is vital for personal growth and family well-being. They stressed that equipping young Nigerians with these skills early on positions them to better navigate the evolving economic landscape and make informed decisions that contribute to their personal prosperity and the nation's economic resilience.

OPay Reinforces Commitment to Consumer Protection and Education

From OPay's side, Chukwudinma Okafor, the company's Chief Compliance Officer, affirmed the fintech firm's dedication to aligning with regulatory mandates. He described the partnership with the CBN for Global Money Week as a testament to OPay's strong commitment to consumer protection and financial literacy priorities. Okafor emphasized that for OPay, compliance extends beyond mere adherence to regulations; it is about cultivating trust and ensuring that young users are empowered to interact safely within the financial ecosystem. Further elaborating on OPay's role, Senior Marketing Manager Paul Iwunwa positioned financial literacy as the bedrock of genuine financial inclusion. He articulated that by engaging with students at this formative stage, OPay aims not only to cultivate sound money habits but also to contribute to a more economically resilient future for Nigeria. This proactive approach to education is central to OPay's mission. OPay's participation in the event aligns with its broader objective of enhancing consumer education and promoting the responsible utilization of digital financial services. The company, established in 2018, has been a significant player in making financial services accessible through technology, operating under a CBN license and with NDIC insurance, mirroring the security offered by traditional banks.

Interactive Fair Offers Hands-On Financial Experience

The Global Money Week Financial Literacy Fair and Exhibition provided a dynamic environment for students to gain practical experience in managing their finances. Attendees participated in engaging sessions designed to illustrate principles of budgeting, saving, and wise spending. The fair served as a crucial touchpoint for young Nigerians to interact directly with financial concepts and tools. OPay's interactive booth was a focal point, offering participants exposure to innovative financial products specifically curated to support their financial journeys. This hands-on approach allowed students to explore digital financial services in a controlled and educational setting, demystifying complex financial instruments. The event's design focused on experiential learning, moving beyond theoretical instruction to practical application. This method is intended to make financial lessons more memorable and impactful, fostering a deeper understanding of money management that students can carry forward into their adult lives.

Broader Outreach and E-Learning Initiatives

The CBN's efforts to enhance financial awareness extend beyond this single event and target demographic. Mrs. Aisha Isa-Olatinwo noted that the current campaign's activities are specifically tailored to instill responsible financial habits among young people. However, the outreach is planned to encompass a wider audience, including parents, traders, and communities at the grassroots level across the nation. To support these broader goals, the CBN has introduced several initiatives aimed at deepening financial understanding. Among these are the Bank Consumer Education Series and the "Sabi Money" e-learning platform. These digital resources are developed to deliver practical knowledge on money management and to encourage peer-to-peer learning, amplifying the reach and impact of financial education. Furthermore, participants were urged to reconsider their relationship with money, shifting focus from mere consumption towards investment. This encouragement aims to cultivate a mindset geared towards wealth creation and long-term financial security, rather than short-term spending habits. The CBN seeks to foster a culture of saving and investment from an early age.

The bottom line

• OPay and the CBN collaborated on April 28, 2026, for Global Money Week in Abuja, focusing on youth financial literacy.
• CBN officials emphasized that financial literacy is essential for Nigeria's economic development and individual stability.
• OPay highlighted its commitment to regulatory alignment and consumer protection, viewing financial education as key to inclusion.
• The event featured interactive sessions and OPay's booth to provide hands-on experience in money management and savings.
• The CBN's initiatives, including e-learning platforms, aim to reach a broad audience beyond students, including parents and traders.
• The campaign encourages a shift from consumption to investment among young Nigerians to build a more resilient financial future.