In celebration of International Women’s Day 2026, Fidelity Bank Plc has reaffirmed its dedication to empowering Nigerian women through the launch of its innovative “Give Her Power” initiative. The bank also formalized strategic partnerships with key organizations by signing Memoranda of Understanding (MoU), aimed at equipping women with essential skills, mentorship, financial literacy, and enterprise support.
The event, which brought together a broad spectrum of stakeholders—including LUSH Hair, Barbergirl Academy School of Barbering, Dee ‘n’ Ell the Shoe Architect, Inter-Bau Foundation, IVM Innoson, the National Credit Guarantee Company (NCGC), and One Universe—underscored the bank’s commitment to fostering inclusive economic growth.
Central to this initiative is the Bank’s HerFidelity Apprenticeship Programme, a structured platform that offers vocational training and sustainable business opportunities across various sectors to women nationwide.
During the launch, Dr. Nneka Onyeali-Ikpe, Managing Director and CEO of Fidelity Bank Plc, emphasized that the bank’s ‘HerFidelity’ initiative underscores its steadfast commitment to creating opportunities that empower women to attain financial independence and build sustainable businesses. She stated, “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.”
The bank plans to implement various interventions throughout March, including the distribution of 1,000 sewing and grinding machines to support women-led microbusinesses. Additional activities include vocational training in automobile mechanics, interior decoration, barbing, hair making, and shoe making. The initiative also features professional headshot sessions to bolster women’s personal and professional brands, mentorship engagements with leading female entrepreneurs, and practical skill development in makeup artistry, nail care, and traditional headgear tying.
Dr. Onyeali-Ikpe highlighted the broader impact of empowering women: “When women are empowered economically, the impact extends far 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. This reinforces the need to deliberately create platforms that support women to build sustainable businesses and strengthen their economic independence.”
The Lagos State Commissioner for Commerce, Cooperatives, Trade and Investment, Mrs. Folashade Ambrose-Medebem, praised Fidelity Bank for its leadership in championing entrepreneurship and supporting women. She stated, “This initiative strongly aligns with the Lagos State Government’s commitment to building an inclusive economy where women have access to skills, mentorship and financial opportunities they need to thrive. Women remain key drivers of commerce and enterprise across Lagos, from traditional markets to emerging digital sectors. This initiative by Fidelity Bank has ensured that we stayed true to the promoting and supporting women.”
Mrs. Bolaji Cecilia Dada, Lagos State Commissioner for Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, also commended Fidelity Bank for its efforts in financial inclusion and economic independence for women, emphasizing that “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 across the state.”
Representatives from partner organizations expressed gratitude to Fidelity Bank for the collaboration, noting that the partnership will significantly expand vocational training and entrepreneurship opportunities for women.
The “Give Her Power” initiative aims to empower hundreds of women through skill acquisition, mentorship, and startup funding, reinforcing the vital role women play in Nigeria’s economic development.
Fidelity Bank Plc, ranked among Nigeria’s top banks, serves over 10 million customers through its extensive digital banking channels, 255 branches across Nigeria, and its UK subsidiary, FidBank UK Limited. The bank has received numerous awards, including the 2024 Excellence in Digital Transformation & MSME Banking Award by BusinessDay Banks and Financial Institutions (BAFI), the 2024 Most Innovative Mobile Banking Application by Global Business Outlook, and recognition as the Best Bank for SMEs in Nigeria by Euromoney Awards for Excellence.
