Fidelity Bank Empowers Young Girls with Debate Competition to Mark International Day of the Girl Child

Fidelity Bank has empowered young girls with debate competition to mark International Day of the Girl Child.

NewsOnline Nigeria reports that Fidelity Bank Plc, one of Nigeria’s leading financial institutions, marked the 2025 International Day of the Girl Child with a She Leads Debate Competition for female secondary school students in Lagos.

The event, held on Thursday, October 16, 2025, at the Fidelity SME Hub in Gbagada, brought together students from six secondary schools to debate the topic: “In today’s world, is digital literacy more essential for girls than traditional life skills?”

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Welcoming participants, Osita Ede, Divisional Head, Product Development, represented by Harriba Harry-Pepple, Head of Women Banking, highlighted the bank’s ongoing commitment to empowering girls through education, leadership, and innovation.

“Each year, this day reminds us of the limitless potential within every girl — potential that must be nurtured, celebrated, and given a platform to shine,” Ede said. “Through HerFidelity, our Women Banking Initiative, we continue to create opportunities that help girls and women dream boldly, learn confidently, and lead fearlessly.”

He noted that the competition was designed not just as a debate but as a platform for young women to express their opinions, challenge societal stereotypes, and demonstrate intellectual excellence.

At the end of the event, Chizaram Unachukwu of Cedec International School clinched the first prize of ₦500,000, while Nwatu Chidera of Brookstones and Best Brains International School came second, receiving ₦300,000. Chizaram Ekueme of Awesome College took the third place with a prize of ₦150,000.

The International Day of the Girl Child, celebrated annually on October 11, promotes gender equality and highlights the challenges facing girls worldwide, from education access to digital inclusion.

Fidelity Bank Plc continues to lead initiatives that support youth and women empowerment. With over 9.1 million customers served across 251 business offices in Nigeria and the UK, the bank has earned multiple awards, including:

• 2024 Excellence in Digital Transformation & MSME Banking Award (BAFI Awards)

• Most Innovative Mobile Banking Application (Global Business Outlook)

• Most Innovative Investment Banking Service Provider (Global Brands Magazine)

• Best Bank for SMEs in Nigeria (Euromoney Awards for Excellence)

• Export Financing Bank of the Year (BAFI Awards)