Professor Victoria Ayishetu Enape, an authority in Accounting and Finance, has called on Nigerians to embrace financial discipline as a safeguard against post-retirement poverty, warning that poor money management is pushing many citizens — especially retirees — into unnecessary hardship.
She made the appeal on Saturday in Abuja during her professorial reception and the launch of her new book, “Financial Literacy: Navigating Wealth in the 21st Century.”
Reflecting on her professional journey, Enape lamented that too many Nigerians who once lived in comfort now face financial distress due to lack of planning.
“I have seen people who once had names and influence but are now beggars. I have also seen civil servants who, after decades of service, retired without a plan and soon lost everything they had. These experiences convinced me to return to my true professional calling — guiding people on how to manage their money,” she said.
Husband of the celebrant, Pastor Joseph Enape; celebrant/author, Prof. Victoria Enape; Mother of the Day, Dr Titi Abubakar; Book Presenter, Prof. Sebastine Hon and the Special Guest of Honour, retired Capt. Idris Wada, during the Professorial Reception and Book presentation titled ‘‘Financial Literacy: Navigating Wealth in the 21st Century’’ in honour of Prof. Enape, in Abuja.
Enape emphasized that financial success goes beyond earning salaries or running businesses. It requires deliberate planning, saving, investing, and preparing for uncertainties. She also stressed the importance of raising a financially literate next generation:
“If we can teach young people to value money, plan their resources, and build lasting wealth, then we will have succeeded in creating a legacy that will outlive us.”
Speakers Commend Enape’s Advocacy
Presenting the book, Sebastian Hon (SAN) lauded Professor Enape’s boldness and vision, noting that money management is a universal challenge that cuts across gender and profession.
“What impressed me most was not just her message, but the fact that as a woman she stood boldly to guide others on how to channel their resources. Money management is universal — it is about discipline and foresight,” he remarked.
Also speaking, Mr. Nkom Simon, Director-General of the Nigeria Mining Cadastre Office and Chairman of the occasion, linked Enape’s message to Nigeria’s broader economic aspirations.
“With solid minerals present across all 36 states and the FCT, every community is endowed with wealth. Harnessing this potential requires financial discipline, innovation, and proactive thinking,” he said, describing Professor Enape as a dependable colleague who consistently promotes accountability and transparency.
Former First Lady of Kogi State, Mrs Halima Wada; her husband/Special Guest of Honour, retired Capt. Idris Wada and the Mother of the Day, Dr Titi Abubakar, during the Professorial Reception and Book presentation titled ‘‘Financial Literacy: Navigating Wealth in the 21st Century’’ in honour of Prof. Victoria Enape, in Abuja.
Financial Literacy for Families
In her goodwill message, Mrs. Titi Abubakar, wife of former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and Mother of the Day, emphasized the importance of introducing children to savings culture early in life.
She encouraged parents to use simple tools such as coin collection boxes to help children develop healthy financial habits.
“Opening the savings box at the end of the month excites children and motivates them to do more. This habit, if nurtured, prevents young people from struggling with money management later in life,” she advised.
Mrs. Abubakar also urged families to invest in financial literacy resources that can benefit both children and adults.
Professor Enape’s renewed advocacy comes at a time when experts warn of worsening poverty levels and poor retirement planning in Nigeria, highlighting the urgent need for financial education at every level of society.
