IWD 2026: Fidelity Bank Plc Launches ‘Give Her Power’ Initiative, Signs MoUs to Empower Women

IWD 2026: Fidelity Bank Plc Launches ‘Give Her Power’ Initiative, Signs MoUs to Empower Women

 L-R: Chief Executive Officer, Innoson Kiara Academy, Endi Ezengwa; Commissioner for Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Lagos State, Bolaji Cecilia Dada; Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, Fidelity Bank Plc, Dr. Nneka Onyeali-Ikpe; and Commissioner for Commerce, Cooperatives, Trade and Investment, Lagos State, Folashade Ambrose-Medebem; during the signing of Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) at the launch of “Give Her Power” initiative as part of the 2026 International Women’s Day (IWD) activities at the Fidelity Bank Head Office in Lagos, recently. 

Fidelity Bank Plc has reinforced its commitment to women’s economic empowerment with the launch of its “Give Her Power” initiative and the signing of strategic Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) with several partner organisations aimed at equipping Nigerian women with practical skills, mentorship and financial knowledge.

The initiative was unveiled as part of activities marking the 2026 edition of International Women’s Day and brings together a broad coalition of stakeholders including LUSH Hair, Barbergirl Academy School of Barbering, Dee ‘n’ Ell the Shoe Architect, Inter-Bau Foundation, Innoson Vehicle Manufacturing, National Credit Guarantee Company and One Universe.

The collaboration is anchored on the bank’s HerFidelity Apprenticeship Programme, a structured initiative designed to provide vocational training, business support and sustainable enterprise opportunities for women across various sectors.

Speaking at the launch, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Fidelity Bank, Nneka Onyeali-Ikpe, said the programme reflects the bank’s long-standing commitment to empowering women to achieve financial independence.

According to her, the initiative is designed to move women “from effort to earnings and from hustle to sustainable enterprise” by providing practical vocational skills, financial literacy and access to mentorship.

She explained that the programme will deliver a range of interventions throughout March, including the distribution of 1,000 sewing and grinding machines to support women-led micro businesses.

Participants will also receive vocational training in automobile mechanics, interior decoration, barbing, hair making and shoe making.

Other components of the initiative include professional headshot sessions aimed at strengthening women’s personal and professional brands, mentorship engagements with leading female entrepreneurs, and hands-on training in areas such as makeup artistry, nail care and traditional headgear tying.

Onyeali-Ikpe noted that empowering women economically has far-reaching benefits for society and the economy.

“When women are empowered economically, the impact extends far beyond individuals. It strengthens families, grows businesses and uplifts entire communities,” she said, adding that research indicates that advancing women could add up to $12 trillion to global GDP.

Also speaking at the event, Lagos State Commissioner for Commerce, Cooperatives, Trade and Investment, Folashade Ambrose-Medebem, commended Fidelity Bank for promoting entrepreneurship and creating opportunities for women.

She noted that the initiative aligns with the commitment of the Lagos State Government to building an inclusive economy where women have access to skills, mentorship and financial opportunities.

“Women remain key drivers of commerce and enterprise across Lagos, from traditional markets to emerging digital sectors,” she said.

Similarly, the Lagos State Commissioner for Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Bolaji Cecilia Dada, praised the bank for promoting financial inclusion and economic independence among women.

She described the initiative as a strong example of how collaboration between the private sector and government can create meaningful opportunities and reduce poverty through women-focused empowerment programmes.

Representatives of partner organisations also expressed appreciation to Fidelity Bank for the collaboration, noting that the partnership will expand vocational training opportunities and strengthen entrepreneurship among women.

The “Give Her Power” initiative is expected to empower hundreds of women through skill acquisition, mentorship and startup support, while reinforcing the critical role women play in driving Nigeria’s economic growth.

Ranked among Nigeria’s leading financial institutions, Fidelity Bank serves over 10 million customers through digital banking platforms, 255 business offices across Nigeria and its United Kingdom subsidiary, FidBank UK Limited. The bank has also received several local and international recognitions, including awards for digital transformation, SME banking and innovation in financial services.