L–R: Sunday Olasupo, Assistant Controller, Ikoyi Correctional Centre; Nwamaka Kalu, Head, Human Resource Business Partnerships and Communication, Fidelity Bank Plc; Sunday Ogundele, Assistant Controller, Ikoyi Correctional Centre; Obiora Mbaekwe, Head, HR Shared Services, Fidelity Bank Plc; Dr. Julius Ogueri, Deputy Controller, Ikoyi Correctional Centre; Charles Nwachukwu, Chief Human Resources Officer, Fidelity Bank Plc; and Dr. Chidi Nwankwo, Assistant Controller, Ikoyi Correctional Centre, during the Fidelity Helping Hands Programme (FHHP) donation of essential materials to inmates at the Ikoyi Correctional Centre, Lagos, recently.
By Peace Udugba -The daily torch media
Leading financial institution, Fidelity Bank Plc, has reaffirmed its commitment to improving the lives of vulnerable members of society with the donation of relief materials to inmates at the Ikoyi Correctional Centre in Lagos.
The initiative, carried out under the bank’s Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) platform, Fidelity Helping Hands Programme (FHHP), saw members of the Human Resources Department present household items and other essentials to the management of the correctional facility. The gesture is part of the bank’s ongoing efforts to support rehabilitation and social reintegration.
Through the FHHP, staff across Fidelity Bank’s branches nationwide identify critical needs within their communities and raise funds to address them. The bank’s management matches the amount raised and releases the funds for the execution of the selected projects.
Speaking during the presentation, the Chief Human Resources Officer of Fidelity Bank Plc, Mr. Charles Nwachukwu, reiterated the bank’s dedication to restoring hope and transforming lives. He noted that genuine progress extends beyond financial success to showing compassion and creating opportunities for those often overlooked by society.
“At Fidelity Bank, we believe everyone deserves a second chance. Our CSR approach is anchored on empathy — supporting communities, uplifting the vulnerable, and creating pathways to a brighter future. By supporting inmates today, we are contributing to their rehabilitation and empowering them to return to society as productive citizens,” he said.
In his response, the Deputy Controller of Corrections at the Ikoyi Custodial Centre, Dr. Julius Ogueri, commended the bank for the gesture and urged Nigerians to shun cybercrime and avoid stigmatizing former inmates.
He highlighted the challenges facing correctional facilities, noting that the Ikoyi centre, originally built to accommodate 800 inmates, now houses over 3,000. According to him, the facility has 396 convicted inmates, while the majority are awaiting trial.
Dr. Ogueri also underscored the importance of rehabilitation programmes within the facility, revealing that 72 inmates are currently studying with the National Open University of Nigeria, while 120 have benefited from WAEC and GCE support initiatives.
Fidelity Bank’s outreach to the Ikoyi Correctional Centre further underscores its strong commitment to social impact and rehabilitation efforts.
