Jos, Plateau State – Fidelity Bank Plc has reaffirmed its commitment to education and community development by donating back-to-school packs to over 600 schoolchildren across Plateau State.
The beneficiaries, randomly selected from all 17 Local Government Areas of the state, received school bags containing exercise books, writing materials, mathematical sets, and water bottles. The initiative, implemented in Jos, forms part of the bank’s Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) efforts aimed at supporting learning and encouraging academic excellence among young Nigerians.
The outreach was facilitated by staff of Fidelity Bank’s University of Jos Branch under the Fidelity Helping Hands Programme (FHHP), a flagship CSR initiative that enables employees to identify and support impactful community projects. Through the programme, staff raise funds for selected interventions, which are subsequently matched by the bank’s management to increase their reach and impact.
Speaking at the event, the Divisional Head of Brand and Communications at Fidelity Bank Plc, Dr. Meksley Nwagboh, described education as a critical driver of national development and sustainable progress.
“Investing in young people is one of the most impactful ways to build a brighter future. Education equips children with the knowledge, confidence, and opportunities they need to contribute meaningfully to society,” he said.
Nwagboh noted that the initiative reflects Fidelity Bank’s broader commitment to creating lasting social impact through programmes that improve lives and strengthen communities. He encouraged the pupils to remain focused on their studies, emphasizing that Nigeria’s future depends on educated, determined, and inspired young people.
Also speaking, Mr. Shunom Leo, Branch Leader of Fidelity Bank’s University of Jos Branch, said the intervention was a strategic investment in the future of Plateau State.
“This is more than a donation of school supplies; it is an investment in the dreams and potential of these children. Fidelity Bank remains committed to initiatives that support education, improve livelihoods, and strengthen communities across Nigeria,” he stated.
Representing Plateau State Governor Caleb Mutfwang, the Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Ms. Caroline Dafur, commended Fidelity Bank and the Plateau State Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Office for the timely intervention.
“This back-to-school campaign is more than an act of charity; it is an investment in the future of Plateau children. We appreciate Fidelity Bank and the SDGs Office for making a meaningful difference in the lives of these pupils,” she said.
Dafur reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to prioritizing education, healthcare, social protection, and child welfare, while calling for greater collaboration between public and private institutions to drive sustainable development.
In her remarks, the Project Coordinator of the Plateau State SDGs Office, Mrs. Nanbam Danjuma-Lot, praised Fidelity Bank for partnering with the agency to positively impact the lives of children across the state.
“Partnerships like this demonstrate the power of collaboration in addressing societal challenges. Fidelity Bank has shown commendable leadership by investing in the future of our children, and we hope more organizations will emulate this example,” she said.
Similarly, the Executive Secretary of the Plateau State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB), Mr. Sunday Amuna, described the initiative as a foundation-building investment with long-term benefits.
“The strength of any structure depends on its foundation. The support we provide these children today will shape the stability of their future. Fidelity Bank has made a significant contribution to that foundation,” he noted.
The programme also catered to physically challenged children with varying degrees of disability, underscoring the bank’s commitment to inclusion and equal opportunities for all.
Through the Fidelity Helping Hands Programme, Fidelity Bank continues to champion initiatives that empower communities, support education, and promote sustainable development nationwide.
With over 10 million customers served through its digital platforms, 255 business offices across Nigeria, and its United Kingdom subsidiary, FidBank UK Limited, Fidelity Bank remains one of Nigeria’s leading commercial banks and a recipient of several prestigious local and international awards for innovation, SME support, trade finance, private banking, and community empowerment.
