Fidelity Bank Plc has partnered with the office of the First Lady of Anambra State, Dr Mrs Nonye Soludo, to empower no fewer than 1,950 residents across the state through a large-scale livelihood support programme organised under the Healthy Living Initiative.
The empowerment programme, held in Awka on Friday, brought together three major Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives of Fidelity Bank targeted at supporting women, school children and vulnerable households facing economic hardship.
Under the programme, 100 women received sewing machines to support tailoring businesses, while another 100 women got grinding machines to help them generate income and strengthen small-scale businesses within their communities. In addition, 250 school children received solar-powered school bags through the bank’s “Lighting Young Minds Programme”, while 1,500 vulnerable residents benefited from food bank packs distributed under the bank’s Food Bank Initiative.
Speaking during the event, Soludo said the partnership with Fidelity Bank was beyond charity and represented a long-term investment in people and community development.
“This is not merely to distribute items or celebrate another social impact initiative, but to reaffirm a simple truth that when we invest in people, we invest in the future,” she said.
“Every woman supported, every child empowered and every family assisted represents a step towards building a stronger, healthier and more prosperous Anambra.”
The First Lady described the intervention as a reflection of what partnerships between the private sector and social impact organisations can achieve when focused on improving lives.
She explained that her Healthy Living Initiative, which operates as a Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO), depends heavily on collaborations and goodwill from organisations committed to community development.
Soludo also commended Fidelity Bank for aligning with her vision of supporting women, children and vulnerable groups across the state.
“Beyond the empowerment items being distributed today, Fidelity Bank is investing in human potential, family stability and community development,” she added.
She urged beneficiaries to make proper use of the items and become productive contributors within their communities.
Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Fidelity Bank Plc, Dr Nneka Onyeali-Ikpe, said the programme marked the first time the bank was bringing together three of its flagship CSR initiatives on one platform.
According to her, Anambra became the first state in Nigeria to benefit from the combined intervention.
“Our purpose goes beyond accounts, transactions and banking services,” Onyeali-Ikpe said.
“We believe that when communities thrive, businesses thrive; when families prosper, societies become stronger; and when people are empowered, possibilities become endless.”
She explained that the Food Bank Initiative focuses on supporting vulnerable households with food assistance, while the Lighting Young Minds Programme promotes learning through solar-powered school bags for pupils.
She added that the “Give Her Power Initiative” was designed to provide women with tools and equipment needed to build sustainable livelihoods and improve household income.
“We are not merely distributing equipment; we are creating opportunities, unlocking potential and investing in brighter futures,” she said.
Onyeali-Ikpe also praised Soludo for her continued commitment to improving the welfare of women, children and vulnerable persons across Anambra State.
