By Peace Udugba
Leading financial institution, Fidelity Bank Plc, has extended its flagship women empowerment programme, “Give Her Power,” to Ikorodu, equipping over 30 women with vocational tools to support their businesses and boost household income.
The Ikorodu outreach, which marks the third phase of the initiative’s nationwide rollout, featured the distribution of 12 sewing machines and 15 grinding machines, among other items.
Beneficiaries were drawn from Ikorodu Central, Ikorodu West, and Ikorodu North Local Government Areas.
Speaking at the event, the Regional Bank Head, Victoria Island, Mr. Nnamdi Edekobi, who represented the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, Nneka Onyeali-Ikpe, said the initiative reflects the bank’s commitment to practical and sustainable empowerment for women.
According to him, the programme is designed to go beyond symbolic gestures by providing women with the tools and resources needed to build sustainable businesses, generate income, and improve their livelihoods.
Also speaking, the Divisional Head, Brand and Communication, Meksley Nwagboh, described the Ikorodu outreach as a targeted intervention aimed at supporting underserved women at the grassroots level.
He noted that the initiative would be expanded to other regions, including the South-East, South-South, and Northern Nigeria, to ensure broader inclusion of women in economic opportunities.
“When women are empowered financially, the ripple effect is felt across families, communities, and the wider economy,” he said.
The “Give Her Power” initiative was initially launched in Lagos through partnerships with organisations such as 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.
It is anchored on the bank’s HerFidelity Apprenticeship Programme, which provides vocational training, mentorship, and business support.
Before the Ikorodu phase, the programme was held in Abeokuta, where 100 women received 50 sewing machines and 50 grinding machines at an event hosted at the MKO Abiola Sports Arena.
The Ikorodu event attracted key stakeholders, including the Chairman of Ikorodu Local Government, Adedayo Ladega; Executive Chairman of Ikorodu West LCDA, Sulaimon Kazeem Olanrewaju; and Executive Chairman of Imota LCDA, Benson Sunday Ayodele.
One of the beneficiaries, Mrs. Hassan Bukola from Ikorodu North LCDA, expressed appreciation to the bank, describing the support as life-changing.
“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 initiative nationwide, positioning it as a key driver of women’s economic empowerment and sustainable community development.
Ranked among Nigeria’s leading banks, Fidelity Bank serves over 9.1 million customers through its digital platforms, 255 business offices across Nigeria, and its United Kingdom subsidiary, FidBank UK Limited. The bank has also received several local and international awards for excellence in digital transformation, MSME banking, and innovation.
