By Ayomide Otitoju
Fidelity Bank Plc, a leading financial institution, has organised a debate competition for female secondary school students to commemorate the 2025 International Day of the Girl Child.
The event, held on Thursday, October 16, 2025, at the Fidelity SME Hub in Gbagada, Lagos, featured students from six schools debating the topic: “In today’s world, is digital literacy more essential for girls than traditional life skills?”
Welcoming participants, the bank’s Divisional Head of Product Development, Osita Ede — represented by the Head of Women Banking, Harriba Harry-Pepple — underscored the importance of equipping girls with the right skills and support to help them succeed in a rapidly evolving world.
“Each year, this day reminds us of the limitless potential within every girl — potential that must be nurtured, celebrated, and given a platform to shine. Through HerFidelity, our Women Banking Initiative, we are committed to creating opportunities that empower girls and women to dream boldly, learn confidently, and lead fearlessly,” Ede said.
He added that the debate served not just as a competition but as a platform for young girls to express ideas, challenge stereotypes, and demonstrate their intellectual strength.
After a lively contest, Chizaram Unachukwu of Cedec International School emerged winner, receiving ₦500,000. Nwatu Chidera of Brookstones and Best Brains International School came second with ₦300,000, while Chizaram Ekueme of Awesome College took third place with ₦150,000.
Observed annually on October 11, the International Day of the Girl Child seeks to highlight the challenges faced by girls worldwide while advocating for their empowerment and human rights.
Fidelity Bank Plc, which serves over 9.1 million customers across Nigeria and the United Kingdom through 251 business offices and digital channels, has earned multiple awards for innovation and service excellence. These include the 2024 Excellence in Digital Transformation & MSME Banking Award (BAFI), Most Innovative Mobile Banking Application (Global Business Outlook), and Best Bank for SMEs in Nigeria (Euromoney Awards for Excellence).
