In a vibrant display of intellect and financial acumen, Cordros Asset Management recently concluded the 4th edition of its “Every Child a Milestone Fund” debate competition, empowering the next generation with crucial financial literacy skills.
The highly anticipated event, held in Lagos recently, saw students from top secondary schools battle it out, showcasing their understanding of investment principles and walking away with seed funds to kickstart their financial journeys.
The initiative, a cornerstone of Cordros’ financial inclusion efforts, brought together bright minds from White Sand Secondary School, Caleb International School, Dowen College, and Christland High School. Each team articulated compelling arguments on the critical role of investment in one’s life, demonstrating a depth of knowledge beyond their years.
The debate centered on the intriguing topic: “High-risk investment vs. low-risk investment: which is better?” Dowen College emerged victorious, passionately arguing for the benefits of high-risk investments, emphasizing the potential for “bumper harvests” for those willing to embrace risk. Their insightful presentation secured them the first-place prize. White Sand Secondary School, the keen runner-up, advocated for the steady and secure nature of low-risk investments, highlighting their preference by governments and institutions seeking consistent growth.
Dowen College was awarded a N300,000 cheque, while White Sand Secondary School received N200,000 as the commendable runner-up.
Trizah Raphael and Olumide Makanju from Dowen College expressed their elation, acknowledging that while they knew early investment was possible, the debate thoroughly deepened their understanding. “What Cordros is doing will be beneficial to the youths,” they remarked, “it’s a right step towards wealth creation.”
Further enriching the event, facilitator Zainab Eyiowuawi delivered an engaging presentation on “Smart Money Habits: A Guide to Financial Literacy.” She underscored the importance of prudent financial management from a young age, sharing her personal experience of saving with a piggy bank. Eyiowuawi emphasized that personal finance is intrinsically linked to financial literacy, advising young people to prioritize saving and investing a portion of every income earned.
In his welcome address, Gbolahon Aina, Managing Director of Cordros Asset Management, reiterated the initiative’s core mission: “catching the youths young with financial literacy.” He highlighted the program’s significant growth, noting the participation of four schools in this edition, a notable increase from the two schools in previous years.
Beyond the main debate, the event also engaged the audience with interactive games, rewarding students with gifts, further fostering a dynamic and educational atmosphere.
