Hello once more, dear readers! “Diary of a Jaycee” continues, and today we delve into the third chapter of this unforgettable week. Day Three shimmered with promise—a night that unwrapped the treasure trove of financial wisdom and self-mastery. So grab your notebooks (or budgeting apps) and journey with me through a session that might just change how you relate to money forever.
By: Kabirat Ojo
Dear Diary,
The third day of JCIN UI Week unfolded with renewed purpose as we continued our journey of leadership training. I joined the session at exactly 7:10 PM—thankfully, it started earlier than the previous day. The air in the virtual room already carried a tone of focus, one that hinted at the gravity of the subject awaiting us: financial freedom.
Soon, our speaker, Mr. Damilola David Olunuga, took the floor. With calm confidence, he introduced the evening’s theme by highlighting three fundamental pillars: financial intelligence, financial planning, and financial discipline. According to him, understanding money’s “nitty-gritty” is the essence of intelligence; devising a strategy is the heartbeat of planning; and without discipline, all other efforts would amount to little. I found myself nodding with every line—his clarity was magnetic.
Seamlessly, he transitioned into the basics of financial planning. “First,” he said, “you must ascertain your location.” I smiled at this, reflecting on how often we overlook self-assessment in financial matters. Were we broke? Capable? Aspiring? Whatever the case, honesty was step one. Next came destination—what do we really want to achieve? ₦30 million? Peace of mind? Financial independence? Only with a clear goal, he noted, could a map be drawn. Then finally, the ride: our methods, our “vehicles” to get there. Whether through investments, savings, or business ventures, our chosen strategies must match our ambitions.
Smoothly, he pivoted into the five pillars of financial planning. Income management took center stage. He emphasized not just earning money, but monetizing skills. In Nigeria’s unpredictable economy, two or more income streams are not a luxury but a necessity. Then came savings—before spending, not after. “Save first,” he urged, “even if it’s just 10%.” He cleverly pointed out how saving large amounts spontaneously often backfires. It’s the little, consistent efforts that matter. On investments, he encouraged starting small: ₦5,000 in GT Bank shares? Absolutely. The key was learning first and avoiding the temptation of get-rich-quick schemes. Greed, after all, had led many astray.
He spoke next of protection—insurance and emergency funds. I appreciated his clarity in explaining that insurance isn’t just for death but also life’s unexpected punches. Then, lifestyle inflation: the silent killer of financial growth. “Don’t spend more just because you earn more,” he warned, citing Parkinson’s Law. The reminder hit home. Delay gratification. Track expenses. Borrow only to build. He offered us a buffet of smart money moves—each relatable, each actionable. From having multiple bank accounts for different financial functions, to using a budgeting app or notebook, his guidance was deeply practical.
Then came a powerful point: community. “Join financial networks,” he said, “connect with your middle and down line networks. Your wealth is in your relationships.” He urged us to find accountability partners who would keep us in check when financial temptations loomed. As he introduced SMART goals—specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, time-bound—I began visualizing my next financial move. Could I really do this? Yes, but only if I began *now*. “Start small,” he reminded us, “but never stay small.”
The Q&A session rounded things off beautifully. I managed to ask about procrastination—my Achilles’ heel when it comes to financial planning. His response was firm yet encouraging: “Don’t say you’ll do it tomorrow; do it today.” The urgency in his voice wasn’t pressure; it was wisdom.
Sadly, just as the session gathered more steam, my phone battery died. A frustrating end, but the seeds had already been planted. Day Three didn’t just inform—it challenged. And something tells me, I’ve already begun my journey toward financial freedom.
Now, I can’t help but feel the anticipation building—what could Day Four possibly hold? If leadership shaped our minds and finances shaped our futures, what next chapter awaits to shape our souls? Don’t blink—we’re only halfway through, and the best might just be ahead.
Well put together. The session was indeed impactful. Well done to everyone who put this together