Photo caption:
L-R: Chief Executive Officer, Innoson Kiara Academy, Endi Ezengwa; Commissioner for Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Lagos State, Bolaji Cecilia Dada; Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, Fidelity Bank Plc, Dr. Nneka Onyeali-Ikpe; and Commissioner for Commerce, Cooperatives, Trade and Investment, Lagos State, Folashade Ambrose-Medebem; during the signing of Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) at the launch of “Give Her Power” initiative as part of the 2026 International Women’s Day (IWD) activities at the Fidelity Bank Head Office in Lagos, recently.

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 at the launch of the bank’s “Give Her Power” initiative, a programme designed to equip Nigerian women with practical skills, tools, mentorship, and financial knowledge.

The partnerships, formalised as part of activities commemorating the 2026 International Women’s Day, bring together a diverse network of stakeholders: LUSH Hair, Barbergirl Academy School of Barbering, Dee ‘n’ Ell the Shoe Architect, Inter-Bau Foundation, IVM Innoson, National Credit Guarantee Company (NCGC) 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 sustainable enterprise opportunities for women across multiple sectors.

Speaking during the event, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Fidelity Bank Plc, Dr. Nneka Onyeali-Ikpe, highlighted that the bank’s ‘HerFidelity’ initiative reflects Fidelity Bank’s continued commitment to creating opportunities that empower women to achieve financial independence and build sustainable businesses.

“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.”

She explained that 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, as well as vocational training in automobile mechanics, interior decoration, barbing, hair making, and shoe making.

Other components of the initiative include professional headshot sessions to strengthen women’s personal and professional brands, mentorship engagements with leading female entrepreneurs, and hands-on skill acquisition training in areas such as makeup artistry, nail care, and traditional headgear tying.

Dr. Onyeali-Ikpe also noted that empowering women economically has ripple effects that extend beyond individual beneficiaries.
“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,” she added.

Applauding the bank’s initiative, the Lagos State Commissioner for Commerce, Cooperatives, Trade and Investment, Mrs. Folashade Ambrose-Medebem, commended Fidelity Bank for its leadership in promoting entrepreneurship and supporting women across the nation.

“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 stated.

Her words, “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”.

Also speaking at the event, the Lagos State Commissioner for Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Mrs. Bolaji Cecilia Dada, praised Fidelity Bank for championing financial inclusion and economic independence for women.

“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,” she said.

Representatives of the partner organisations also expressed appreciation to Fidelity Bank for the collaboration, noting that the partnership will play a significant role in expanding vocational training opportunities and strengthening 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 best banks in Nigeria, Fidelity Bank Plc is a full-fledged Commercial Deposit Money Bank serving over 10 million customers through digital banking channels, its 255 business offices in Nigeria and United Kingdom subsidiary, FidBank UK Limited.

The Bank is a recipient of multiple local and international Awards, including the 2024 Excellence in Digital Transformation & MSME Banking Award by BusinessDay Banks and Financial Institutions (BAFI) Awards; the 2024 Most Innovative Mobile Banking Application award for its Fidelity Mobile App by Global Business Outlook, and the 2024 Most Innovative Investment Banking Service Provider award by Global Brands Magazine. Additionally, the Bank was recognized as the Best Bank for SMEs in Nigeria by the Euromoney Awards for Excellence and as the Export Financing Bank of the Year by the BusinessDay Banks and Financial Institutions (BAFI) Awards.