By Ayomide Otitoju
Fidelity Bank Plc has reinforced its commitment to community safety and environmental sustainability by donating firefighting and fire-prevention equipment to the Ikoyi Fire Service Station in Lagos.
The donation, which includes fire hoses and gasoline-powered water pumps, aims to enhance the station’s emergency response capacity, particularly during the dry season when fire outbreaks are more frequent.
The initiative was carried out under the Bank’s Fidelity Helping Hands Programme (FHHP) by the True Serve team. FHHP is a staff-driven scheme that empowers employees to identify critical community needs, raise funds, and receive matching support from the Bank to implement impactful social projects.
Speaking on the donation, Dr. Meksley Nwagboh, Divisional Head, Brand and Communications Division, Fidelity Bank, said the initiative underscores the Bank’s dedication to public safety, environmental protection, and sustainable community development.
“Fidelity Bank remains committed to supporting initiatives that protect lives, property, and the environment. Community safety is a shared responsibility, and we will continue to back efforts that strengthen emergency preparedness and response,” Nwagboh said.
He emphasized the importance of preventive measures, noting that early intervention and adequate equipment are key to reducing fire-related losses. “We believe preventive actions are far more effective than reactionary responses. By providing essential tools, we are promoting sustainable safety practices and ensuring communities can live safer, empowered lives,” he added.
Also commending the donation, Lagos State Controller of the Federal Fire Service, CF Funke Adebayo, highlighted its timeliness as the festive season coincides with dry weather conditions that heighten fire risks.
“We appreciate Fidelity Bank for this support. Fire should never be handled carelessly, and families must remain vigilant. Residents should exercise caution, especially with fireworks, and parents should guide children during celebrations,” Adebayo said. She added that the Fire Service has intensified visits to corporate organizations to promote fire safety awareness and discourage unsafe practices that often lead to avoidable fire incidents.
Area Commander of Onikan Fire Station and Chief Superintendent of Fire, CSF Oswere Michael, described the donation as a significant boost to operational capacity. “Fire safety is everyone’s responsibility—at home, in offices, and within our communities. This support from Fidelity Bank will greatly enhance our ability to protect lives and property,” he said.
Fidelity Bank Plc serves over 9.1 million customers through its digital platforms, 255 business offices across Nigeria, and its United Kingdom subsidiary, FidBank UK Limited. The Bank has received multiple accolades, including the 2024 Excellence in Digital Transformation and MSME Banking Award by BusinessDay BAFI Awards, the 2024 Most Innovative Mobile Banking Application award by Global Business Outlook, and recognition as Best Bank for SMEs in Nigeria by Euromoney Awards for Excellence.
