By Ayomide Otitoju
Fidelity Bank Plc has reinforced its commitment to community development and youth empowerment with the donation of educational and hygiene materials to pupils of Wesley Nursery and Primary School in the Makoko Waterfront Community, Lagos, under its Fidelity Helping Hands Programme (FHHP).
The outreach, led by the bank’s Risk Management Directorate, formed part of a “Back to School” initiative aimed at improving learning conditions and promoting personal hygiene among children in one of Lagos’ most underserved waterfront communities. Under the FHHP, Fidelity Bank staff receive matching financial support from management to implement projects that address critical needs in their host communities.
A total of 124 pupils benefitted from the intervention, receiving school bags, exercise books, writing materials, towels, soap, toothpaste and toothbrushes to support both academic activities and healthy living.
Speaking during the event, the Divisional Head, Remedial Assets, Fidelity Bank Plc, Dr. Damian Orizu, who represented the Executive Director and Chief Risk Officer, Mr. Kevin Ugwuoke, said the initiative reflects the bank’s belief that sustainable business success is closely linked to the wellbeing of its host communities.
“At Fidelity Bank, we strongly believe that our growth and success are tied to the wellbeing of the communities where we operate,” Orizu said. “This outreach is our way of investing in the future of Makoko’s children by supporting their education and promoting good hygiene, which are critical foundations for long-term development.”
He added that the Fidelity Helping Hands Programme showcases the commitment of the bank’s employees to making a measurable social impact, commending the Risk Management Directorate for driving the initiative.
The Baale of Adogbo (1) Community, Makoko, Chief Victor Panke, expressed appreciation to the bank for its continued support, highlighting the financial and transportation challenges faced by pupils in the area.
“This support will ease the burden on our children and their families,” he said. “Many pupils struggle with daily transportation across the lagoon to attend school. We are grateful to Fidelity Bank and appeal for further assistance, particularly in providing boats to improve safe access to education.”
The Makoko outreach marks Fidelity Bank’s third intervention in the community within the past two months. Through the FHHP, the bank says it remains committed to promoting education, hygiene and sustainable development, especially in vulnerable communities.
Fidelity Bank Plc is a full-service commercial deposit money bank serving over 9.1 million customers through its digital platforms, 255 business offices in Nigeria, and its UK subsidiary, FidBank UK Limited. The bank has received several local and international awards for innovation, digital banking, MSME support and export financing.
