Fidelity Bank Plc has reinforced its commitment to 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 the 2026 International Women’s Day celebration, is designed to equip Nigerian women with practical skills, mentorship, tools, and financial knowledge needed to build sustainable businesses and achieve economic independence.
Partner organisations involved in the initiative include 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 Fidelity Bank’s HerFidelity Apprenticeship Programme, a structured platform aimed at providing vocational training, business support and enterprise opportunities for women across multiple sectors.
Speaking at the event, the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Fidelity Bank, Nneka Onyeali-Ikpe, said the HerFidelity initiative demonstrates the bank’s commitment to creating opportunities that enable women to attain financial independence.
According to her, empowering women is not only a social responsibility but also a strategic economic investment.
“At Fidelity Bank, we believe empowering women is both a social duty and a powerful economic strategy. Through the ‘Give Her Power’ initiative and the HerFidelity Apprenticeship Programme, we are equipping women with practical skills and financial knowledge that will help them transition from hustle to sustainable enterprise,” she said.
She disclosed 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.
Participants will also receive vocational training in automobile mechanics, interior decoration, barbing, hairdressing and shoe making, alongside mentorship sessions with leading female entrepreneurs.
Other activities include professional headshot sessions to strengthen women’s personal and professional brands, as well as hands-on training in makeup artistry, nail care and traditional headgear tying.
Onyeali-Ikpe further noted that empowering women economically produces far-reaching benefits beyond individual beneficiaries.
“When women are empowered economically, the impact goes beyond individuals to families, businesses and entire communities. Studies show that advancing women could add as much as $12 trillion to global GDP, which underscores the importance of creating platforms that strengthen women’s economic independence,” she added.
The Lagos State Commissioner for Commerce, Cooperatives, Trade and Investment, Folashade Ambrose-Medebem, commended Fidelity Bank for its leadership in supporting entrepreneurship and women’s economic inclusion.
She noted that the initiative aligns with the Lagos State Government’s vision of building an inclusive economy where women have access to the skills, mentorship and financial opportunities needed to thrive.
Also speaking, the Lagos State Commissioner for Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Bolaji Cecilia Dada, praised the bank for promoting 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 initiative and for demonstrating how collaboration between government and the private sector can create meaningful opportunities for women,” she said.
Representatives of the partner organisations also lauded the collaboration, noting that it will expand vocational training opportunities and strengthen entrepreneurship among women.
The “Give Her Power” initiative is expected to empower hundreds of women through skill acquisition, mentorship and startup support, while reinforcing the critical role women play in Nigeria’s economic development.
Fidelity Bank Plc serves more than 10 million customers through its digital banking platforms and 255 business offices across Nigeria, alongside its United Kingdom subsidiary, FidBank UK Limited. The bank has also received several local and international recognitions, including multiple honours at the 2024 BusinessDay Banks and Financial Institutions (BAFI) Awards for excellence in digital transformation and MSME banking.
