Leading financial institution, Fidelity Bank Plc, has extended its flagship women empowerment programme, “Give Her Power”, to Ikorodu, Lagos State, empowering over 30 women with vocational tools to support their businesses and improve household income.
The Ikorodu outreach, which marks the third phase of the Initiative’s nationwide rollout, saw the distribution of 12 sewing machines, 15 grinding machines among other items, to beneficiaries drawn from Ikorodu Central, Ikorodu West, and Ikorodu North Local Government Areas.
Speaking at the event, Fidelity Bank’s Regional Bank Head, Victoria Island, Mr. Nnamdi Edekobi, who represented the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Nneka Onyeali-Ikpe, emphasized that the “Give Her Power” initiative reflects the bank’s commitment to delivering practical and sustainable empowerment.
“The Give Her Power initiative is intentionally designed to go beyond symbolic gestures. Our goal is to equip women with the tools and resources they need to build sustainable businesses, generate income, and create better opportunities for themselves and their families,” he said.
Also speaking at the event, the Divisional Head, Brand and Communication, Fidelity Bank Plc, Dr. Meksley Nwagboh, described the Ikorodu outreach as a strategic intervention targeted at underserved women at the grassroots level.
He noted that the Initiative will be expanded across other regions, including the South-East, South-South, and Northern Nigeria, reinforcing the bank’s commitment to ensuring women are not excluded from economic opportunities.
“When women are empowered financially, the ripple effect is felt across families, communities, and the broader national economy,” he noted.
It will be recalled that the “Give Her Power” initiative was initially launched in Lagos through strategic partnerships with organisations including LUSH Hair, Barbergirl Academy School of Barbering, Dee ‘n’ Ell the Shoe Architect, Inter-Bau Foundation, IVM Innoson, National Credit Guarantee Company (NCGC), and One Universe. The initiative is anchored on the bank’s HerFidelity Apprenticeship Programme, which provides vocational training, mentorship, business support, and access to enterprise opportunities.
Prior to the Ikorodu activation, the initiative recently took place in Abeokuta, Ogun Staste, where 100 women received 50 sewing machines and 50 grinding machines at an event held at the MKO Abiola Sports Arena.
The Ikorodu outreach attracted key government and community stakeholders, including the Chairman of Ikorodu Local Government, Prince Adedayo Ladega; Executive Chairman of Ikorodu West LCDA, Hon. Sulaimon Kazeem Olanrewaju; and Executive Chairman of Imota LCDA, Hon. Benson Sunday Ayodele.
One of the beneficiaries, Mrs. Hassan Bukola from Ikorodu North LCDA, expressed gratitude to Fidelity Bank, describing the support as transformative.
“This sewing machine is a life-changing opportunity for me. It will help me grow my business and better support my family,” she said.
With the successful rollout in Ikorodu, Fidelity Bank has reaffirmed its commitment to scaling the “Give Her Power” initiative nationwide, positioning it as a key driver of women’s economic empowerment and sustainable community development.
Ranked among the best banks in Nigeria, Fidelity Bank Plc is a full-fledged Commercial Deposit Money Bank serving over 9.1 million customers through digital banking channels, its 255 business offices in Nigeria and United Kingdom subsidiary, FidBank UK Limited.
The Bank is a recipient of multiple local and international awards, including the 2024 Excellence in Digital Transformation & MSME Banking Award by BusinessDay Banks and Financial Institutions (BAFI) Awards; the 2024 Most Innovative Mobile Banking Application award for its Fidelity Mobile App by Global Business Outlook, and the 2024 Most Innovative Investment Banking Service Provider award by Global Brands Magazine. Additionally, the Bank was recognized as the Best Bank for SMEs in Nigeria by the Euromoney Awards for Excellence and as the Export Financing Bank of the Year by the BusinessDay Banks and Financial Institutions (BAFI) Awards.
