In line with the financial literacy initiatives of the Central Bank of Nigeria, Unity Bank said it organised a spelling competition in schools.

In a statement on Thursday, the bank organised a programme tagged, ‘Spelling BEE Competition’, to mark Children’s Day celebration for secondary school students.

The competition was held simultaneously in Lagos, Abuja and Port Harcourt to promote youth engagement, create shared value and drive sustainable development initiatives.

Unity Bank added that over the years, it had consistently provided financial literacy programmes to schools, but the initiative was more important as the CBN and other stakeholders had worked out a framework for inclusion of financial literacy into secondary schools’ education curriculum.

Commenting on the Children’s Day event, the Group Head, Retail& SME, Unity Bank Plc, Olufunwa Akinmade, stated, “As a financial institution, it is important to positively reflect on the survival of the Nigerian child from infantile helplessness to independent adulthood.

“The Spelling BEE Competition was conceptualised as an engagement platform to mentor the students for leadership, business and professional responsibility in an atmosphere of fun, excitement and relaxation.”

He said the ultimate goal had always been to provide students with tools that would enable them to become more conversant with financial services, savings culture and financial management, adding that the programme was designed to effectively stimulate the students with quality entertainment.

The bank also said it was holding the competition to connect effectively with the aspiration of the Nigerian child.

“In this instance, Unity Bank is demonstrating its keen interest in the Nigerian children as much as it is driving the importance of education as a vehicle to empower every child to achieve their dreams and aspirations for the future,” it stated.