Initiative aims to boost financial literacy and practical skills for young Nigerians, addressing gaps in youth economic participation

King Charles Lambert, founder of the Compassionate Capitalism Economic System (CCES), on Wednesday unveiled the Teenagers Economic Empowerment Movement (TEEM) in Abuja, targeting financial independence and economic productivity among Nigerian youths. The programme was launched as part of efforts to equip teenagers across Africa with practical knowledge on money management and entrepreneurship from an early age.

The TEEM initiative is designed to address long-standing cultural attitudes that encourage young people to focus exclusively on academics, often delaying their exposure to real-world economic activities until adulthood. Lambert said many teenagers finish secondary school without a clear understanding of how money works or how wealth is built, which has contributed to dependency and underemployment among young adults.

According to King Charles Lambert, the movement will bridge this gap by introducing participants to practical work experience, financial literacy sessions, and personal development training. “Through TEEM, participants will be introduced to concepts such as saving, entrepreneurship, and responsibility that are commonplace in other parts of the world,” he said during the launch event. He noted that African youths are frequently excluded from these formative experiences, placing them at a disadvantage when entering the workforce.

Lambert further explained that the initiative seeks to cultivate a generation of financially informed and economically active Nigerians who can contribute meaningfully to national development. “We want our teenagers to grow with the mindset that they can shape their own financial future,” he added.

Stakeholders in the education sector have welcomed the initiative but called for more collaboration with schools and community leaders to ensure wide reach and sustainability. No official response has yet been issued by government authorities regarding possible policy integration or support for TEEM. The organisers say nationwide sensitisation campaigns and pilot programmes will commence later this year across major cities.

Source: https://guardian.ng/business-services/money/lambert-launches-teen-financial-empowerment-movement/