By Ayomide Otitoju
Fidelity Bank Plc has partnered with the Anambra State Government to empower 1,950 beneficiaries through a wide-ranging intervention programme aimed at promoting economic inclusion, education, and social welfare.
The initiative, implemented under the 2026 Fidelity Empowerment Programme in Awka, saw the distribution of 200 sewing and grinding machines to women entrepreneurs, N25 million in seed capital support, 1,500 food packs to vulnerable households, and 250 solar-powered school bags to pupils.
The programme was executed in collaboration with Healthy Living with Nonye Soludo, a non-governmental organisation led by the Wife of the Anambra State Governor, Dr. Mrs. Nonye Soludo.
Speaking at the event, the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Fidelity Bank Plc, Dr. Nneka Onyeali-Ikpe, said the intervention underscored the bank’s commitment to empowering individuals, strengthening communities, and creating opportunities for sustainable growth.
She noted that the programme marked the first time Fidelity Bank’s three flagship social impact initiatives—the Fidelity Food Bank Initiative, the Lighting Young Minds Programme, and the Give Her Power Initiative—were integrated into a single intervention platform, with Anambra State emerging as the pioneer beneficiary.
According to Onyeali-Ikpe, the initiative reflects the bank’s belief that meaningful development begins when people are provided with the resources and opportunities needed to succeed.
She explained that the Fidelity Food Bank Initiative continues to provide support to vulnerable households across the country, particularly amid prevailing economic challenges, while the Lighting Young Minds Programme seeks to improve educational outcomes through the distribution of solar-powered school bags that enable pupils to study after dark.
The Give Her Power Initiative, she added, is designed to enhance women’s economic participation by providing vocational tools and financial support to promote entrepreneurship and improve household incomes.
In her remarks, Dr. Mrs. Nonye Soludo commended Fidelity Bank for its commitment to community development and the welfare of vulnerable groups.
She said the intervention goes beyond the distribution of empowerment items, describing it as an investment in human potential, family stability, and sustainable development.
According to her, every woman empowered, child supported, and family assisted contributes to building a stronger, healthier, and more prosperous Anambra State.
The Fidelity Empowerment Programme forms part of the bank’s broader corporate social responsibility strategy focused on advancing education, economic empowerment, food security, healthcare, and community development across Nigeria.
Fidelity Bank currently serves more than 10 million customers through its digital platforms, 255 business offices nationwide, and its United Kingdom subsidiary, FidBank UK Limited.
The bank has received several local and international recognitions, including awards for MSME support, retail and SME banking, export and trade finance, innovation, private banking, community empowerment, and operational excellence.
