By Peace Udugba -The daily torch media
Fidelity Bank Plc has reaffirmed its commitment to advancing women’s economic empowerment with the signing of strategic Memoranda of Understanding (MoU) with several partner organisations at the launch of its “Give Her Power” initiative.
The programme, unveiled as part of activities marking International Women’s Day 2026, is designed to equip Nigerian women with practical skills, mentorship, financial knowledge, and tools needed to build sustainable businesses.
Partner organisations in the initiative include 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 collaboration is anchored on the bank’s HerFidelity Apprenticeship Programme, a structured platform created to provide vocational training, business support, and enterprise opportunities for women across different sectors.
Speaking during the event held at the bank’s head office in Lagos, the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Fidelity Bank, Nneka Onyeali-Ikpe, said the initiative reflects the bank’s commitment to creating opportunities that empower women to achieve financial independence.
“At Fidelity Bank, we strongly believe that empowering women is not only a social responsibility but also a powerful economic strategy. Through the ‘Give Her Power’ initiative and the HerFidelity Apprenticeship Programme, we are providing women with practical tools, vocational skills and financial knowledge that will enable them to move from effort to earnings and from hustle to sustainable enterprise,” she said.
She explained that the programme will roll out several interventions throughout March, including the distribution of 1,000 sewing and grinding machines to support women-led microbusinesses. Beneficiaries will also receive vocational training in automobile mechanics, interior decoration, barbing, hair making, and shoe making.
Other components of the initiative include professional headshot sessions to strengthen women’s personal and professional brands, mentorship engagements with successful female entrepreneurs, and hands-on training in makeup artistry, nail care, and traditional headgear tying.
Onyeali-Ikpe noted that empowering women economically has far-reaching benefits for families, businesses, and communities.
“When women are empowered economically, the impact extends beyond individuals. It strengthens families, grows businesses, and uplifts entire communities. Research suggests that advancing women could add up to $12 trillion to global GDP,” she added.
The Lagos State Commissioner for Commerce, Cooperatives, Trade and Investment, Folashade Ambrose-Medebem, commended the bank for promoting entrepreneurship and supporting women across the country.
“This initiative aligns with the Lagos State Government’s commitment to building an inclusive economy where women have access to the skills, mentorship, and financial opportunities they need to thrive,” she said.
Also speaking at the event, the Lagos State Commissioner for Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Bolaji Cecilia Dada, praised Fidelity Bank for championing financial inclusion and economic independence for women.
“Empowering women economically is one of the most effective ways to reduce poverty and strengthen communities. We commend Fidelity Bank for this forward-thinking initiative and for demonstrating how collaboration between the private sector and government can create meaningful opportunities for women,” she said.
Representatives of partner organisations also expressed appreciation to the bank, noting that the collaboration would expand vocational training opportunities and strengthen entrepreneurship among women.
The “Give Her Power” initiative is expected to empower hundreds of women through skill development, mentorship, and start-up support, further reinforcing the role of women as key contributors to Nigeria’s economic growth.
L–R: Chief Executive Officer, Innoson Kiara Academy, Endi Ezengwa; Lagos State Commissioner for Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Bolaji Cecilia Dada; Managing Director/CEO, Fidelity Bank Plc, Dr. Nneka Onyeali-Ikpe; and Lagos State Commissioner for Commerce, Cooperatives, Trade and Investment, Folashade Ambrose-Medebem, during the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) at the launch of the “Give Her Power” initiative as part of the 2026 International Women’s Day activities at Fidelity Bank Head Office in Lagos.
