By Khadija Kubau
The Sir Ahmadu Bello Memorial Foundation (SABMF) has urged young people to embrace financial discipline, conduct proper investment research and develop effective negotiation skills to achieve sustainable financial and professional growth.
In a communiqué signed by the Director-General of the foundation, at the end of its October 2026 Monthly Online Mentorship Programme, the Foundation said financial literacy, responsible investment and effective negotiation are essential skills for young people seeking to build sustainable livelihoods.
The programme, held on Saturday, October 3, 2026, had the theme, “From Earning to Investing: A Practical Guide to Smart Investment and Effective Negotiation for Young People.”
It featured Aisha Yakubu Bako, an Investment Promotion Specialist, as Guest Mentor.
The session provided participants with practical insights into financial management, investment decision-making, funding readiness, financial risk awareness and effective negotiation, with emphasis on applying financial knowledge responsibly in personal, entrepreneurial and professional settings.
The Guest Mentor emphasised that sound financial management begins with understanding and controlling income and expenditure, building appropriate savings and emergency reserves, and making financial decisions based on individual goals, time horizons and capacity to absorb risk.
Participants were introduced to various investment avenues, including savings, treasury bills and bonds, collective investments, shares, businesses, real assets, as well as investment in skills and professional development.
The session stressed the need for adequate research and due diligence before committing funds to any investment, warning against decisions driven by pressure, imitation or the pursuit of quick returns.
Particular attention was also given to financial scams and investment risks. Participants were encouraged to ask critical questions about how an investment generates returns, the risks involved, accessibility of funds, applicable charges, accountability and the credibility of those offering the opportunity.
The Foundation identified unrealistic or guaranteed returns, pressure to act immediately, unverifiable claims, recruitment-driven structures and demands for upfront payments to access loans or grants as warning signs requiring caution.
On access to finance, participants were encouraged to strengthen their readiness for loans, grants and equity financing through proper business records, relevant registrations, credible business plans and realistic financial projections.
Potential funding avenues discussed included the Bank of Industry, Bank of Agriculture, Development Bank of Nigeria, Nigeria Youth Investment Fund, SMEDAN programmes, the Tony Elumelu Foundation, state initiatives and cooperatives.
The programme also introduced participants to angel investors and venture capital, with emphasis on understanding valuation, ownership structures, rights, obligations and exit arrangements before entering investment agreements.
On negotiation, the Guest Mentor described it as an essential business and career skill, encouraging young people to prepare adequately, understand the interests of other parties, demonstrate value with evidence, consider alternatives beyond price, exchange concessions strategically and document agreed terms.
The Foundation consequently encouraged young people to practise disciplined financial management through budgeting, savings and expenditure tracking; conduct thorough due diligence before committing funds; and verify financial opportunities through credible official channels.
It further advised young people to carefully compare financing options before borrowing or surrendering equity, taking into account costs, repayment obligations, ownership implications, risks and long-term consequences.
The Foundation also urged participants to make financial literacy a continuous learning priority, prepare deliberately for negotiations, look beyond price by considering value, quality, timelines and responsibilities, and document significant financial and business agreements clearly.
It emphasised that “earning is only the beginning,” stressing that financial understanding determines how effectively income can be protected, invested and converted into sustainable value.
The Foundation reaffirmed its commitment to creating platforms for knowledge exchange, mentorship and practical capacity development for young people.
