By Ayomide Otitoju
Fidelity Bank Plc has distributed essential food items to more than 1,000 families in Kogi State through its Fidelity Food Bank Initiative as part of efforts to tackle food insecurity and support vulnerable households.
The outreach, held at the Youth Centre in Lokoja, is part of the bank’s broader Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) efforts aimed at improving the wellbeing of underserved communities across Nigeria.
Launched in April 2023, the Fidelity Food Bank Initiative has reached hundreds of thousands of beneficiaries nationwide, providing food support to families facing economic hardship and contributing to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 2, which seeks to achieve Zero Hunger.
Speaking during the distribution exercise, Regional Bank Head, North Central II, Fidelity Bank, Mrs Blessing Onwumere, described the programme as one of the bank’s major CSR initiatives.
She said the initiative was established to help reduce hunger and improve the wellbeing of vulnerable populations while reinforcing the bank’s commitment to supporting the communities where it operates.
“Today’s distribution will provide essential food supplies to over 1,000 beneficiaries. This initiative goes beyond the distribution of food items; it is about uplifting lives, strengthening communities, and supporting families with resources that contribute to their wellbeing and resilience,” Onwumere said.
She thanked the Lokoja community, Abbasid Foundation and other partners for supporting the initiative.
Representing Kogi State Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo, Commissioner for Water Resources, Yahaya Faruk, commended Fidelity Bank for supporting vulnerable residents, particularly women and youths.
He described the intervention as a demonstration of corporate citizenship that complements government’s efforts to improve the welfare of residents.
Kogi State Commissioner for Youth and Sports Development, Aridaojo Monday Anyebe, also described the initiative as a timely intervention, particularly for young people in the state.
Speaking on behalf of beneficiaries, Mrs Zainab Abubakar expressed appreciation to the bank, saying the food items would provide significant support for her family.
Fidelity Bank said the initiative reflects its continued commitment to community development and social impact across Nigeria.
