L–R: Divisional Head, Small and Medium-scale Enterprises (SMEs), Fidelity Bank Plc, Mrs. Ugochi Osinigwe; Executive Director, South, Fidelity Bank Plc, Mrs. Pamela Shodipo; and Representative of the President, Port Harcourt Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (PHCCIMA) and Chairman, SMEs and Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) Trade Group, Mr. Jack Daboikiabo, at the Fidelity Bank SME Quarterly Business Forum held in Port Harcourt, recently.
By Peace Udugba
Leading financial institution, Fidelity Bank Plc, has reaffirmed its commitment to advancing the growth and sustainability of Micro, Small and Medium-scale Enterprises (MSMEs), positioning itself as a trusted partner beyond traditional banking and financing.
This commitment was reiterated by the bank’s management during a keynote address delivered by the Executive Director, South, Mrs. Pamela Shodipo, at the Fidelity SME Quarterly Business Forum held in Port Harcourt, Rivers State.
The forum, themed “Scaling Trade and Distribution of Businesses for Sustainable Growth,” brought together entrepreneurs, business owners, industry experts and customers for discussions on strategies to expand businesses, strengthen distribution networks and unlock sustainable growth opportunities in Nigeria’s evolving marketplace.
In her address, Mrs. Shodipo said Fidelity Bank remains committed to supporting SMEs beyond financing, stressing that the bank’s goal is to build long-term partnerships that drive enterprise growth.
“Our objective is clear: to help Nigerian enterprises grow, become more competitive and create sustainable value in their communities and the wider economy. We want to be more than a provider of funds; we want to be your trusted partner in growth,” she said.
She described Port Harcourt as a strategic economic hub with strong influence across trade, logistics, marine services, manufacturing, agriculture and the energy sector, noting that businesses in the city operate in a highly dynamic environment that demands resilience and innovation.
“Port Harcourt occupies a strategic place in the economic life of Nigeria. It is a major commercial hub and a gateway to the South-South,” she added.
According to her, the theme of the forum reflects the critical role of trade and distribution businesses in connecting producers to consumers, strengthening supply chains, creating jobs and sustaining livelihoods.
“Trade and distribution businesses play a critical role in the Nigerian economy. In the South-South, this role is even more significant because the region remains one of the vital arteries of commerce in Nigeria,” she noted.
Mrs. Shodipo also highlighted key Fidelity Bank initiatives supporting SMEs, including the Fidelity Nigeria International Trade and Creative Connect (FNITCC), which connects businesses to global markets such as the UK and the US, as well as partnerships with the Nigeria Export Promotion Council (NEPC) and the Lagos Business School through the Export Management Programme. She also referenced the Fidelity SME Hub, designed to provide advisory and capacity-building support.
Also speaking, the Divisional Head, Small and Medium-scale Enterprises at Fidelity Bank Plc, Mrs. Ugochi Osinigwe, said the forum was designed to equip business owners with practical insights, innovation exposure and networking opportunities that can drive business growth.
“SMEs remain the backbone of Nigeria’s economy, and at Fidelity Bank, we are deliberate about creating platforms that expose entrepreneurs to knowledge, innovation and opportunities that help them build resilient and scalable businesses,” she said.
She encouraged participants to take advantage of the bank’s SME-focused initiatives, advisory services and digital solutions to strengthen their operations and position their businesses for long-term success.
Participants at the forum commended Fidelity Bank for the initiative, describing it as timely and impactful.
A participant, Mr. Andy Macozi, said the forum addressed real challenges faced by business owners, while oil and marine services entrepreneur, Chief Uche Aham, praised the bank for creating a platform for learning and exchange of ideas, calling for wider access to forum materials for implementation.
The Fidelity SME Quarterly Business Forum is part of Fidelity Bank’s ongoing efforts to empower entrepreneurs, foster innovation and support sustainable economic development across Nigeria.
Ranked among Nigeria’s leading financial institutions, Fidelity Bank Plc serves over 10 million customers through its digital channels, 255 business offices nationwide and its United Kingdom subsidiary, FidBank UK Limited.
The bank has received multiple local and international awards, including recognition for MSME support, trade finance excellence, retail banking leadership and innovation in financial services.
