By Peace Udugba
Leading financial institution, Fidelity Bank Plc, has partnered with the Youth Economic Intervention and De-radicalization Programme (YEIDEP) to strengthen youth empowerment, financial inclusion and entrepreneurship across Nigeria.
The partnership is aimed at supporting the enrolment of students and young people into the Federal Government-backed initiative, which seeks to equip participants with the skills, support and opportunities needed to build sustainable livelihoods, while addressing youth unemployment and promoting enterprise development.
As part of the collaboration, the next phase of the enrolment exercise will be held at Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, where the institution has confirmed its readiness to host students and youths from across the South-East.
According to the Office of the Vice-Chancellor, the exercise will take place from July 1 to July 3, 2026, at the university’s Convocation Arena and is expected to cater for more than 60,000 regular undergraduate students.
Speaking on the partnership, the Divisional Head, Product Development at Fidelity Bank Plc, Osita Ede, said empowering young people remains central to the bank’s vision of building a more inclusive and prosperous society.
He noted that Nigeria’s youth represent the country’s greatest asset and that providing them with the right skills, opportunities and financial support is critical to unlocking their potential and accelerating national development.
According to him, Fidelity Bank continues to support young Nigerians through its digital banking platforms, financial literacy initiatives, youth-focused products and strategic partnerships that provide access to funding, mentorship and business development support.
Ede added that the bank recognises the challenges faced by aspiring entrepreneurs, particularly in accessing finance and business support, and remains committed to creating pathways that will help them overcome those barriers.
The bank also stated that its collaboration with YEIDEP aligns with its long-standing commitment to supporting Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), which play a critical role in driving economic growth, creating jobs and expanding financial inclusion in Nigeria.
Interested students and youths have been encouraged to open Fidelity Bank accounts and register for the programme through the bank’s dedicated YEIDEP enrolment portal.
