Fidelity Bank Plc has reaffirmed its commitment to advancing women’s economic empowerment with the signing of strategic Memoranda of Understanding (MoU) with partner organisations during the launch of its “Give Her Power” initiative.
The programme is designed to equip Nigerian women with practical skills, tools, mentorship and financial knowledge to help them build sustainable businesses.
The partnerships were formalised as part of activities marking the 2026 International Women’s Day, bringing together a diverse network of stakeholders including LUSH Hair, Barbergirl Academy School of Barbering, Dee ‘n’ Ell the Shoe Architect, Inter-Bau Foundation, Innoson Vehicle Manufacturing, National Credit Guarantee Company 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 multiple sectors.
Speaking at the launch, 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 help women achieve financial independence.
She said:
“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.”
According to her, the programme will deliver a range of interventions throughout the month of March, including the distribution of 1,000 sewing and grinding machines to support women-led microbusinesses.
She explained that participants will also receive vocational training in automobile mechanics, interior decoration, barbing, hair making and shoe making.
Onyeali-Ikpe added:
“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, which reinforces the need to deliberately create platforms that support women to build sustainable businesses and strengthen their economic independence.”
Also speaking at the event, the Lagos State Commissioner for Commerce, Cooperatives, Trade and Investment, Folashade Ambrose-Medebem, commended Fidelity Bank for its leadership in promoting entrepreneurship among women.
She said:
“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.”
Ambrose-Medebem further noted that women remain central to economic activities in the state.
“Women remain key drivers of commerce and enterprise across Lagos, from traditional markets to emerging digital sectors. Initiatives like this ensure we continue to promote and support women in business,” she said.
Similarly, the Lagos State Commissioner for Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Bolaji Cecilia Dada, praised Fidelity Bank for promoting financial inclusion and economic empowerment for women.
She stated:
“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.”
Representatives of the partner organisations also expressed appreciation to Fidelity Bank for the collaboration, noting that the partnership 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 startup support, while reinforcing the role of women as key contributors to Nigeria’s economic growth.
Ranked among the leading financial institutions in Nigeria, Fidelity Bank serves over 10 million customers through its digital banking channels, 255 business offices across Nigeria, and its United Kingdom subsidiary, FidBank UK Limited.
The bank has received several local and international recognitions, including the 2024 Excellence in Digital Transformation & MSME Banking Award at the BusinessDay Banks and Financial Institutions (BAFI) Awards, the Most Innovative Mobile Banking Application Award by Global Business Outlook, and the Most Innovative Investment Banking Service Provider Award by Global Brands Magazine. It was also named Best Bank for SMEs in Nigeria at the Euromoney Awards for Excellence and Export Financing Bank of the Year at the BAFI Awards.
