By Ayomide Otitoju
Fidelity Bank Plc has unveiled a solar-powered water facility in Eyosung Community, Udung Uko Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State, as part of its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) efforts under the Fidelity Helping Hands Programme (FHHP).
The project, championed by the bank’s Risk Management Directorate, aims to address water scarcity in the community and improve living standards. FHHP allows Fidelity Bank employees to identify and fund impactful projects, with the bank matching staff contributions to expand their reach.
Speaking at the inauguration, Mr. Kelvin Ugwuoke, Executive Director/Chief Risk Officer of Fidelity Bank, represented by Mrs. Kufre Edem, Regional Bank Head for Cross Rivers and Akwa Ibom, described the project as a demonstration of the bank’s commitment to its host communities.
“The solar-powered water facility aligns with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and is set to benefit over 8,000 residents,” Ugwuoke said. He explained that the initiative would supply clean water to 2,500 students and 25 teachers at a local school, alongside 1,000 households. The project aims to reduce reliance on unsafe water sources and minimize the time and distance spent fetching water.
Highlighting Fidelity Bank’s broader CSR impact, Ugwuoke added:
“Through our Fidelity Food Bank initiative, we have distributed thousands of food packs to vulnerable communities across Nigeria since April 2023. Similarly, FHHP has delivered projects such as school renovations, donations to orphanages, and the construction of classrooms and sports facilities.”
Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, represented by Mr. Frank Archibong, Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, commended Fidelity Bank for its generosity, noting that the project aligns with the state government’s ARISE agenda. He urged the community to maintain the facility to ensure its longevity.
Council Chairman of Udung Uko, Mr. Godwin Okponung, expressed gratitude to the bank and called for more development projects, assuring the community’s commitment to safeguarding the facility.
Fidelity Bank Plc, a leading financial institution with over 8.3 million customers across Nigeria and the UK, has received numerous accolades, including the 2023 Euromoney Award for Best Bank for SMEs in Nigeria. At the 2024 BusinessDay Banks and Other Financial Institutions (BAFI) Awards, the bank was named MSME Bank of the Year and Export Financing Bank of the Year.
This latest initiative further underscores Fidelity Bank’s dedication to fostering sustainable development and enhancing the quality of life in underserved communities.
