Fidelity Bank Plc has reaffirmed its commitment to advancing women’s economic empowerment with the launch of its “Give Her Power” initiative, accompanied by the signing of strategic Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) with partner organisations. The programme, unveiled during 2026 International Women’s Day celebrations, aims to equip Nigerian women with practical skills, tools, mentorship, and financial knowledge to build sustainable businesses.
The partnerships bring together stakeholders including LUSH Hair, Barbergirl Academy School of Barbering, Dee ‘n’ Ell the Shoe Architect, Inter-Bau Foundation, IVM Innoson, National Credit Guarantee Company, and One Universe.
The collaboration is anchored in the Bank’s HerFidelity Apprenticeship Programme, which offers vocational training, business support, and sustainable enterprise opportunities across multiple sectors.
Speaking at the event, Managing Director and CEO of Fidelity Bank, Dr. Nneka Onyeali-Ikpe, emphasized that empowering women is both a social responsibility and an 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.
The initiative includes distribution of 1,000 sewing and grinding machines to support women-led microbusinesses, vocational training in automobile mechanics, interior decoration, barbing, hair making, and shoe making, as well as mentorship engagements with leading female entrepreneurs. Women will also benefit from professional headshot sessions and hands-on skill acquisition training in makeup artistry, nail care, and traditional headgear tying.
Dr. Onyeali-Ikpe noted the wider economic impact of empowering women, citing research suggesting that advancing women could add up to $12 trillion to global GDP.
Applauding the initiative, the Mrs. Folashade Ambrose-Medebem highlighted the alignment with Lagos State’s commitment to an inclusive economy, while Mrs. Bolaji Cecilia Dada praised the programme for advancing financial inclusion and economic independence for women.
Representatives of partner organisations also expressed support for the initiative, noting its potential to expand vocational training and strengthen entrepreneurship opportunities for women across Nigeria.
Fidelity Bank, which serves over 10 million customers through 255 business offices in Nigeria and its UK subsidiary, FidBank UK Limited, has received multiple awards including the 2024 Excellence in Digital Transformation & MSME Banking Award by BusinessDay Banks and Financial Institutions Awards, the 2024 Most Innovative Mobile Banking Application award by Global Business Outlook, and the 2024 Most Innovative Investment Banking Service Provider award by Global Brands.
