It was a day to remember for many Obafemi Awolowo University students as experts from different disciplines graced the 2023 financial Independence Summit, an event organized by the office of the Financial Secretary, Great Ife Students' Union which was held on Friday, 31 2023 at Oduduwa Hall.
The summit with the theme, “Financial Independence: A Creative And Innovative Mind” commenced fully with the first speaker, Elvis Kayode, a Business Developer taking the students through how to be valuable, creative and innovative towards making money. He shared that financial independence is about “Knowing what you have and knowing the value you can get for what you have”.
The business developer further explained that before one ventures into a skill or entrepreneurship, it is important to know one's area of strength. “In all that you are doing, don't go alone,” he added.
Also speaking, Oluneye Oluwole, Founder of Story Chest Group Inc. highlighted the benefits of being financially independent. She mentioned that financial independence gives one peace of mind, frees one from the stress and anxiety that accompany financial insecurity and gives the flexibility to take risks.
On his part, Lukman Shobowale, Co-founder of Dukiya Investment, shared that students must begin to take measured risks, spend less than they make, avoid spending unexpected cash and track their spending if they want to gain financial independence.
Following the speech of the keynote speakers, there was a panel session where the students had the opportunity to ask questions and seek solutions to their challenges. Among the panellists are, a Nigerian Author, Daniel Otabor; CEO of Kitchen Royal Et Al, Oyeyemi Oluwafisayomi; CEO of Boundless Nexus LTD, Franklin Peters; Co-founder, Instadrop, JoshofLagos and The founder of MoneyAfrica, Olaseinde Oluwatosin.
Sharing his remark after the summit, the financial secretary of the Great Ife union, Oluwasegun Abiola Joy (Legbeti) appreciated God for the success of the event. He noted that organizing the event was not an easy ride.
Joy also confirmed that his office is planning an entrepreneurship program which will include the provision of financial aid to students.
He further extended appreciation to the committee, sponsors, attendees and classmates for their support.