CreditRegistry targets three million financially literate families

CreditRegistry has announced its goal to provide financial literacy to three million Nigerian families by 2030 through its initiative to empower individuals with knowledge on building generational wealth.

The Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of CreditRegistry, Dr Jameelah Sharrieff-Ayedun, said the credit bureau aims to achieve its goal through its annual Africa Credit Expo.

Sharrieff-Ayedun explained that financial literacy is critical for wealth creation, saying “Credit isn’t just a number. It’s a tool that opens the doors to financial freedom.”

She noted that the expo seeks to provide everyday Nigerians, including students, small business owners, and families, with the skills they need to manage credit and build wealth.
According to Sharrieff-Ayedun, the financial literacy drive will cover crucial topics such as savings, investments, insurance, and credit management.

“We want to ensure that people not only have access to credit but also understand how to use it responsibly to build strong credit profiles and create wealth for future generations” she stated.

The Africa Credit Expo, which was co-founded by CreditRegistry and AfreximBank, brings together experts from various financial sectors to provide insights to the public.
“Our goal is to make financial literacy accessible to all Nigerians,” said Sharrieff-Ayedun. “We’re teaching people not just how to fish but how to own the pond, so they can feed their generations.”

Sharrieff-Ayedun noted CreditRegistry’s financial literacy initiative, which began in 2023, has already reached over a million Nigerians through webinars and in-person seminars.

She added the credit bureau hopes to continue expanding its reach with the support of sponsors and partners.

The Chairman of CreditRegistry, Fatoumata Coker, highlighted the importance of credit awareness among Nigerians, stating “Many people don’t know that they’re entitled to a free credit report every year,” she said. “We want to educate the public on how credit works and how it can be used to expand their financial worth.”

Coker noted that the expo aims to shift the focus from businesses to consumers, ensuring that individuals understand the benefits of good credit.
“Most people in Nigeria rely on cash transactions, but building credibility can open doors to more opportunities,” she added.

A highlight of the expo was a panel of industry leaders who discussed financial literacy and wealth-building for Nigerians, particularly women.
Coker moderated the conversation which explored strategies for financial empowerment and the role of women in nurturing wealth across communities.

Among the panellists was the CEO of Union Bank, Yetunde Oni, who stressed the importance of personal development, discipline, and building a trustworthy financial reputation.

Oni underscored character as essential in accessing credit and scaling up businesses, highlighting the importance of creating a track record through banking relationships.

The Head of Risk at Stanbic IBTC, Tosin Leye-Odeyemi, focused on mentorship and advocacy for financial literacy, encouraging women to educate their communities and families.

Leye-Odeyemi spoke about Stanbic IBTC’s initiatives to support women-owned businesses through lower-interest loans and capacity building.

The Country Director of MasterCard, Folasade Femi-Lawal, highlighted the role of education and digital tools in empowering women and fostering financial inclusion.

Femi-Lawal discussed MasterCard’s efforts in supporting startups, promoting STEM education for girls, and their commitment to connecting women entrepreneurs to the digital economy by 2025.
The Co-founder of Lagos Island Connect, Yemisi Ransome-Kuti, stressed integrity and trust as foundational for business success and creditworthiness.

Ransome-Kuti urged young people to develop a strong character early, emphasising the importance of personal responsibility and the need for collective action to build a prosperous Nigeria.