Financial experts have urged Nigerian teenagers and young people to develop disciplined saving and investment habits from an early age, saying early financial planning can provide a strong foundation for long-term wealth creation.
The experts spoke at the maiden edition of the Investdata Teens and Youths Investment Summit organised by Investdata Consulting Limited in Ogba, Ikeja, Lagos.
The summit, which attracted participants both physically and online, focused on financial education, investment discipline, goal setting and practical strategies for building wealth from a young age.
Speaking on the theme, “The Investor Mindset: Shifting from Spent to an Owner of Assets,” Morayo Jaiyeola, Head of Investment Advisory at Meristem Stockbrokers Limited, told participants that young people have a significant advantage because they can begin investing much earlier than many successful investors did.
She encouraged the participants to develop an ownership mindset by prioritising assets and long-term financial growth over excessive spending.
Youths Urged to Understand the Stock Market
Speaking on “Stock Market Decoded,” Taiwo Adekeye, a trader with Bamboo, said financial knowledge could become one of the most valuable investments young people receive.
He explained that while parents invest heavily in their children’s formal education, financial education could help them make informed decisions about money and investments.
Adekeye said the financial decisions made by today’s teenagers and young adults could have a significant impact on the level of wealth they build over the next decade and beyond.
According to him, investing in listed companies allows individuals to put their money to work while pursuing their education, careers or other interests.
He explained that investors could potentially benefit through capital appreciation when the value of their shares increases, as well as dividends distributed by profitable companies.
He encouraged participants to develop the habit of saving even when the amount available is small.
“If you remember nothing else, decide that if you are given N10,000, you will not eat everything, but save some for investment,” he advised.
Adekeye also introduced participants to fixed-income investments, noting that such instruments generally have predetermined returns and repayment structures.
He, however, cautioned young people against gambling and encouraged them to pursue structured and informed approaches to wealth creation.
Experts Warn Against Emotional Investing
Kanayo John, an investment analyst, challenged participants to learn how to manage their emotions when making financial decisions.
He identified fear and greed as two major emotional factors that can influence investment decisions and encouraged young investors to rely on research rather than impulse.
According to him, investors should not buy shares simply because others are doing so or because they expect quick profits.
He identified several principles for long-term investing, including avoiding the pursuit of instant wealth, conducting proper research before buying stocks, avoiding borrowing to invest and ensuring that investment decisions are based on a clear financial plan rather than emotions.
‘Start Small, Dream Big’
Tunde Jeariogbe, an investment analyst with Investdata Consulting Limited, urged participants to begin with whatever amount they could afford and gradually build their investment portfolios.
He explained that consistent small savings could become the foundation for significant wealth over time.
Jeariogbe encouraged the young participants not to sacrifice their long-term financial goals for short-lived fashion and lifestyle trends.
“The stock market is where your money works for you and grows while you earn residual income,” he said.
Focus on Strong, Growing Companies
Ambrose Omordion, Chief Research Officer of Investdata Consulting, advised young investors to conduct proper research before selecting stocks.
He encouraged participants to pay attention to companies in growth sectors, particularly businesses producing essential goods and services such as food, beverages and banking services.
He also advised them to look for potentially undervalued companies, businesses whose products are in strong demand and innovative companies introducing new products or expanding their markets.
Parents Have a Role to Play
Omordion also appealed to parents to build on the financial knowledge their children acquired at the summit by helping them translate lessons into practical action.
He noted that many adults only gained meaningful financial education much later in life, while the young participants now had an opportunity to develop those skills much earlier.
He encouraged parents to discuss their children’s investment interests with them, review the lessons they learned and guide them towards making their first small, informed investment.
According to him, early exposure to financial education could help young people develop sustainable investment habits and become more financially responsible adults.
The summit ultimately emphasised a simple message: wealth creation is not merely about how much money a person earns, but also about developing the knowledge, discipline and habits required to save, invest and grow money consistently.
About the Author
