News Highlights:
- 100 women in Ogun State received sewing and grinding machines, reinforcing grassroots enterprise and financial inclusion through Fidelity Bank’s nationwide empowerment drive.
- The initiative, anchored on the HerFidelity platform, goes beyond symbolism to deliver practical, sustainable support for women’s economic growth and community development.
Fidelity Bank Plc is scaling up its gender-focused development drive, taking its “Give Her Power” initiative to Ogun State, where 100 women have been equipped with vocational tools to deepen financial inclusion and enhance grassroots enterprise.
The intervention marks a key phase in the bank’s nationwide rollout of the programme, which was introduced in March as part of activities commemorating the 2026 International Women’s Day.
The initiative was formalised through the signing of strategic Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) with partner organisations, underscoring a collaborative approach to women’s economic empowerment.
At an event held at the MKO Abiola Sports Arena in Abeokuta, beneficiaries drawn from various microbusiness segments received 50 sewing machines and 50 grinding machines to support and expand their livelihoods.
The outreach drew participation from market leaders, community stakeholders, and government representatives, including the Ogun State Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Hon. Adijat Adeleye-Oladapo.
Speaking at the event, the Regional Bank Head, Southwest 1, Fidelity Bank Plc, Mr. Folaranmi Jemirin, reaffirmed that the Ogun outreach aligns with the Bank’s broader commitment to delivering practical, measurable empowerment interventions through the “Give Her Power” initiative.
“At Fidelity Bank, our approach to empowerment is simple; it must be practical, inclusive, and sustainable. When you empower a woman economically, the benefits extend to her family, her business, and the wider community. This outreach in Abeokuta is a continuation of the momentum created with the launch of the ‘Give Her Power’ initiative earlier in March,” Jemirin stated.
He explained that the “Give Her Power” initiative is anchored on HerFidelity, the Bank’s women-focused proposition, which provides financial literacy, business support, vocational training, mentorship, and wellness initiatives for women-led enterprises.
Jemirin further revealed that the bank had scaled its women-focused interventions nationwide, including the distribution of 1,000 sewing and grinding machines, the rollout of the HerFidelity Apprenticeship Programme 2.0, financial literacy sessions for girls, mentorship engagements, and hands-on skills training.
“This is more than a donation, it’s our vote of confidence in your ability to earn, grow, and create value within your communities,” he added, urging beneficiaries to make productive use of the items.
Commending the initiative, the state commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Hon. Adeleye-Oladapo, described the programme as a meaningful shift from symbolic celebrations to tangible empowerment.
“This initiative goes beyond celebrating International Women’s Day. It delivers real opportunities for transformation. When you empower a woman, you empower a family and, ultimately, society,” she stated.
She further praised Fidelity Bank for complementing the efforts of the Ogun State Government under the leadership of Governor Dapo Abiodun in advancing women’s economic empowerment.
She urged beneficiaries to make productive use of the equipment, stressing that the true value of the initiative lies in its long-term impact on livelihoods and community development.
The “Give Her Power” initiative stands out as a prime example of Fidelity Bank’s sustained commitment to building pathways for individuals to thrive, businesses to grow, and communities to prosper through inclusive empowerment programmes.
