In a significant demonstration of its commitment to community development and poverty alleviation, Fidelity Bank Plc has successfully distributed food packs to over 1,500 individuals in Ihie Town, located in the Etche Local Government Area of Rivers State, as part of its Food Bank initiative.
During the donation event, Mr. Ibisiki Eretoru, the Regional Bank Head for Rivers and Bayelsa 1 & South Commercial at Fidelity Bank Plc, emphasised that the bank’s success is intrinsically linked to the prosperity and well-being of the communities it serves.
“The Food Bank Initiative is our commitment to enhancing the welfare of our host communities by providing regular food assistance. Each month, with the support of our dedicated partners, we distribute food packs to families and individuals nationwide,” Eretoru stated.
He elaborated that the Fidelity Food Bank initiative, which was launched in April 2023, forms part of the bank’s broader corporate social responsibility strategy aimed at combating hunger and improving livelihoods throughout Nigeria. This initiative aligns seamlessly with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goal 2, which seeks to eradicate hunger.
“To date, we have successfully distributed over 200,000 food packs through various outreach programs aimed at supporting individuals, strengthening businesses, and transforming local economies,” Eretoru added.
The food distribution in Ihie was executed in collaboration with The Reach Nigeria Foundation, a non-profit organisation dedicated to sustainable development. Benedicta Ibiyemie Ayarete, CEO of the Foundation, mentioned that the community was specifically chosen for its pressing need for food support during the post-planting and pre-harvest period.
“Although Ihie is primarily an agrarian community, we identified the necessity for food support at this critical time. The community’s peaceful environment also makes it an ideal location for Fidelity Bank to establish and expand its presence. We are proud to contribute to the positive impact this outreach will have on the residents,” she explained.
His Royal Highness, Eze Richard Amadi, the paramount ruler of Ihie, expressed his gratitude to Fidelity Bank for its timely intervention, describing the initiative as “a stitch in time” that effectively addresses the community’s needs.
Mr. Stephen Asoh, Chairman of the Ihie Community Development Committee, also voiced his appreciation for Fidelity Bank, emphasising the substantial difference the donations will make in the lives of many local residents.
Beneficiary Mike Okere commended Fidelity Bank for its initiative and urged other financial institutions to emulate the bank’s proactive approach to community engagement and impact.
The Fidelity Food Bank initiative continues to serve as a vital source of support for underserved communities across Nigeria, underscoring the bank’s steadfast commitment to social responsibility and inclusive growth.
Recognised as one of Nigeria’s premier banks, Fidelity Bank Plc operates as a full-fledged Commercial Deposit Money Bank, serving over 9.1 million customers through digital banking channels and its 255 business offices across Nigeria, as well as its UK subsidiary, FidBank UK Limited.
The Bank has received numerous accolades, including the 2024 Excellence in Digital Transformation & MSME Banking Award from the 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 from Global Brands Magazine.
Additionally, Fidelity Bank was honoured as the Best Bank for SMEs in Nigeria by the Euromoney Awards for Excellence and recognised as the Export Financing Bank of the Year by the BusinessDay Banks and Financial Institutions (BAFI) Awards.
