News Highlights
- Fidelity Bank launched the “Give Her Power” initiative and signed MoUs with multiple partners to expand its HerFidelity Apprenticeship Programme.
- The programme includes practical empowerment measures, such as distributing 1,000 sewing and grinding machines and offering skills training in various fields.
Fidelity Bank Plc has strengthened its drive for women’s economic empowerment with the signing of strategic Memoranda of Understanding (MoU) with several partner organisations during the launch of its “Give Her Power” initiative.
The programme, unveiled as part of activities marking International Women’s Day 2026, is designed to equip Nigerian women with practical skills, mentorship, tools, and financial knowledge needed to build sustainable businesses.
The partnerships bring together a diverse network 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 created to provide vocational training, business support, and sustainable enterprise opportunities for women across multiple sectors.
Speaking at the event, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Fidelity Bank Plc, Nneka Onyeali-Ikpe, said the bank’s HerFidelity initiative reflects its commitment to creating opportunities that enable women to achieve financial independence and build thriving 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.
According to her, the programme will deliver several interventions throughout the month of March, including the distribution of 1,000 sewing and grinding machines to support women-led microbusinesses.
Participants will also benefit from vocational training in automobile mechanics, interior decoration, barbing, hair making and shoe making, alongside other enterprise development opportunities.
Additional components of the initiative include professional headshot sessions to help strengthen women’s personal and professional brands, mentorship engagements with leading female entrepreneurs, and hands-on training in areas such as makeup artistry, nail care, and traditional headgear tying.
Dr. Onyeali-Ikpe further noted that the impact of women’s economic empowerment extends far 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 added.
Commending the initiative, Lagos State Commissioner for Commerce, Cooperatives, Trade and Investment, Folashade Ambrose-Medebem, praised Fidelity Bank for promoting entrepreneurship and supporting women nationwide.
“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 stated.
She added: “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.”
Also speaking at the event, the Lagos State Commissioner for Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Bolaji Cecilia Dada, applauded the bank for advancing financial inclusion and economic independence among 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 partnership will help 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 drivers of Nigeria’s economic growth.
