Fidelity Bank has launched ‘Give Her Power’ Initiative and signed MoUs to empower Nigerian women with skills and funding.
NewsOnline Nigeria reports tat Fidelity Bank Plc has reaffirmed its commitment to women’s economic empowerment with the signing of strategic Memoranda of Understanding (MoU) with several partner organisations at the launch of its “Give Her Power” initiative, a programme aimed at equipping Nigerian women with practical skills, mentorship, and financial knowledge.
The partnerships were formalised as part of activities marking the 2026 International Women’s Day, bringing together a diverse network of organisations including 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 designed to provide vocational training, business support, and sustainable enterprise opportunities for women across different sectors.
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Speaking at the event, the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Fidelity Bank Plc, Dr. Nneka Onyeali-Ikpe, said the HerFidelity initiative reflects the bank’s commitment to creating opportunities that enable 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 said.
Dr. Onyeali-Ikpe explained that the programme will roll out several interventions throughout March, including the distribution of 1,000 sewing and grinding machines to support women-led microbusinesses.
The initiative will also provide vocational training in areas such as automobile mechanics, interior decoration, barbing, hair making, and shoe making.
Other components of the programme include professional headshot sessions to help women strengthen their personal and professional brands, mentorship engagements with leading female entrepreneurs, and hands-on training in makeup artistry, nail care, and traditional headgear tying.
According to the bank’s CEO, empowering women economically has far-reaching benefits beyond individual success.
“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.
Also speaking at the event, the Lagos State Commissioner for Commerce, Cooperatives, Trade and Investment, Mrs. Folashade Ambrose-Medebem, commended Fidelity Bank for promoting entrepreneurship and supporting women across Nigeria.
“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 noted that women remain key drivers of commerce and enterprise across Lagos, from traditional markets to emerging digital sectors.
Similarly, the Lagos State Commissioner for Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Mrs. Bolaji Cecilia Dada, praised Fidelity Bank for promoting 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 initiative will 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, further reinforcing the role of women as key contributors to Nigeria’s economic growth.
Fidelity Bank Plc, one of Nigeria’s leading financial institutions, 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 awards, including the 2024 Excellence in Digital Transformation & MSME Banking Award at the BusinessDay Banks and Financial Institutions (BAFI) 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.
Additionally, Fidelity Bank was named Best Bank for SMEs in Nigeria at the Euromoney Awards for Excellence and Export Financing Bank of the Year at the BAFI Awards.
