Fidelity Bank Boosts Learning, Hygiene Standards for Makoko Schoolchildren

Fidelity Bank Boosts Learning, Hygiene Standards for Makoko Schoolchildren

Fidelity Bank Plc has strengthened 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 of Lagos State.

The intervention, carried out under the bank’s Fidelity Helping Hands Programme (FHHP), was led by the Risk Management Directorate as part of a “Back to School” initiative aimed at improving learning conditions and promoting personal hygiene among children in one of Lagos’ most underserved communities.

A total of 124 primary school pupils benefitted from the outreach, receiving school bags, exercise books, writing materials, towels, soap, toothpaste and toothbrushes to support both academic performance and healthy living.

Speaking at the event, 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 growth is closely linked to the wellbeing of 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 an investment 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 FHHP demonstrates the passion of Fidelity Bank employees to create meaningful impact. “I commend the Risk Management Directorate for championing this initiative and showing that corporate responsibility begins from within,” he said.

Also speaking, the Baale of Adogbo (1) Community, Makoko, Chief Victor Panke, expressed appreciation to Fidelity Bank for its continued support, highlighting the financial and transportation challenges faced by schoolchildren in the waterfront community.

“This support will significantly ease the burden on our children and their families,” Chief Panke said. “Many pupils cross the lagoon daily just to attend school. We are grateful to Fidelity Bank and appeal for continued assistance, particularly in providing boats to enable safer and easier access to education.”

The Makoko outreach marks Fidelity Bank’s third intervention in the community within the past two months. Through the Fidelity Helping Hands Programme, the bank continues to advance education, hygiene and sustainable development, with special focus on vulnerable communities.

Fidelity Bank Plc is one of Nigeria’s leading commercial banks, serving over 9.1 million customers through its digital platforms, 255 business offices nationwide and its UK subsidiary, FidBank UK Limited.

The bank has received multiple local and international recognitions, including the 2024 Excellence in Digital Transformation & MSME Banking Award by BusinessDay BAFI Awards, Most Innovative Mobile Banking Application award by Global Business Outlook, and Best Bank for SMEs in Nigeria by the Euromoney Awards for Excellence.