Fidelity Bank Plc has reinforced its commitment to advancing women’s economic empowerment with the signing of strategic Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) with several partner organisations at the launch of its “Give Her Power” initiative, a programme designed to equip Nigerian women with practical skills, mentorship, financial knowledge, and tools to build sustainable businesses.
The partnerships, formalised as part of activities marking International Women’s Day 2026, bring together a diverse group 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 aimed at providing vocational training, business support, and sustainable enterprise opportunities for women across multiple sectors.
Speaking at the launch, the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Fidelity Bank, Dr. Nneka Onyeali-Ikpe, said the HerFidelity initiative underscores the bank’s dedication to creating opportunities that enable women to achieve financial independence and build thriving enterprises.
“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 said.
According to her, the initiative will deliver several interventions throughout the month of March, including the distribution of 1,000 sewing and grinding machines to support women-led microbusinesses.
The programme will also provide vocational training in automobile mechanics, interior decoration, barbing, hair making and shoe making, alongside professional headshot sessions to help strengthen women’s personal and professional brands.
Participants will further benefit from mentorship engagements with leading female entrepreneurs and hands-on training in practical skills such as makeup artistry, nail care and traditional headgear tying.
Dr. Onyeali-Ikpe added that empowering women economically creates broader societal benefits 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 noted.
Commending the initiative, the Lagos State Commissioner for Commerce, Cooperatives, Trade and Investment, Folashade Ambrose-Medebem, praised Fidelity Bank for its leadership in promoting entrepreneurship and supporting women across the country.
“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,” she said.
Ambrose-Medebem further emphasised the critical role women play in economic development.
“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 promoting and supporting women,” she added.
Also speaking, the Lagos State Commissioner for Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Bolaji Cecilia Dada, applauded Fidelity Bank for championing financial inclusion and economic empowerment 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 stated.
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Representatives of the partner organisations also expressed appreciation to Fidelity Bank, noting that the collaboration will significantly expand vocational training opportunities and strengthen women’s entrepreneurship across various sectors.
The Give Her Power initiative is expected to empower hundreds of women through skill development, mentorship, and start-up support, reinforcing the role of women as key contributors to Nigeria’s economic growth.
Ranked among Nigeria’s leading financial institutions, Fidelity Bank Plc serves over 10 million customers through its digital banking channels, 255 business offices across Nigeria, and its United Kingdom subsidiary, FidelityBank UK Limited.
The bank has also received several local and international recognitions, including the 2024 Excellence in Digital Transformation & MSME Banking Award by the 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 Magazine. It was also recognised as the Best Bank for SMEs in Nigeria by the Euromoney Awards for Excellence and named Export Financing Bank of the Year at the BusinessDay BAFI Awards.
