Fidelity Bank Empowers 1,950 Nigerians in Anambra with N25m Grants, Business Tools, Food Packs

Fidelity Bank Empowers 1,950 Nigerians in Anambra with N25m Grants, Business Tools, Food Packs

Leading financial institution, Fidelity Bank Plc, has empowered no fewer than 1,950 Nigerians in Anambra State through a comprehensive intervention programme that provided business equipment, seed capital, food support, and solar-powered school bags to women, vulnerable households, and schoolchildren.

The empowerment initiative, held in Awka under the 2026 Fidelity Empowerment Programme, was implemented in partnership with Healthy Living with Nonye Soludo, a non-governmental organisation founded by the wife of the Anambra State Governor, Dr. Mrs. Nonye Soludo.

As part of the programme, 200 women entrepreneurs received sewing and grinding machines, while N25 million was disbursed as seed capital to support small businesses. Additionally, 1,500 food packs were distributed to vulnerable households, and 250 solar-powered school bags were presented to schoolchildren to aid learning.

Speaking at the event, the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Fidelity Bank Plc, Dr. Nneka Onyeali-Ikpe, said the initiative reflects the bank's commitment to promoting economic inclusion, empowering individuals, and fostering sustainable community development.

She noted that the intervention brought together three of the bank’s flagship Corporate Social Responsibility initiatives—the Fidelity Food Bank Initiative, Lighting Young Minds Programme, and Give Her Power Initiative—under one platform for the first time, with Anambra State emerging as the inaugural beneficiary.

According to her, the programme demonstrates Fidelity Bank’s belief that sustainable development begins when people are provided with the resources and opportunities needed to improve their lives.

“Today is more than an empowerment event; it is a demonstration of our belief that meaningful progress begins when people are given the tools and opportunities to succeed. At Fidelity Bank, our purpose goes beyond banking. We are committed to helping individuals realize their aspirations, overcome challenges, and build better lives,” Onyeali-Ikpe stated.

She emphasized that the Fidelity Food Bank Initiative continues to provide critical relief to vulnerable families across Nigeria, particularly amid prevailing economic challenges.

“Access to food remains a basic human need. By supporting vulnerable families, we are restoring dignity, strengthening resilience, and fostering greater social inclusion within our communities,” she said.

On the Lighting Young Minds Programme, the Fidelity Bank CEO explained that the solar-powered school bags were designed to improve educational outcomes by enabling pupils to study at night, especially in communities with limited access to electricity.

She added that the Give Her Power Initiative seeks to strengthen women’s economic participation through vocational support and financial empowerment aimed at improving household income and promoting entrepreneurship.

In her remarks, Dr. Mrs. Nonye Soludo commended Fidelity Bank for its commitment to supporting vulnerable groups and advancing community development in the state.

“We gather today not merely to distribute items or celebrate another social impact initiative, but to reaffirm a simple truth: when we invest in people, we invest in the future,” she said.

She noted that every woman empowered, every child supported, and every family assisted contributes to building a stronger and more prosperous Anambra State.

Mrs. Soludo further praised the bank for investing in human capital and aligning with efforts to improve the welfare of communities through sustainable interventions.

“Beyond the empowerment items being distributed today, Fidelity Bank is investing in human potential, family stability, and community development. This partnership demonstrates the important role socially responsible organisations can play in advancing sustainable development and improving the quality of life of the people they serve,” she added.

The Fidelity Empowerment Programme forms part of Fidelity Bank’s broader social impact strategy focused on education, food security, economic empowerment, health, and community development across Nigeria.

Fidelity Bank Plc serves over 10 million customers through its digital banking platforms, 255 business offices across Nigeria, and its United Kingdom subsidiary, FidBank UK Limited.

The bank has received several local and international recognitions, including the 2025 Development Bank of Nigeria Innovation Award for MSME support, Best Retail and SME Bank Award by Independent Newspapers, and Nigeria’s Best Private Bank at the 2025 Euromoney Awards, among others.