Yemisi Izuora
In a significant demonstration of its commitment to the development of education and community empowerment, Fidelity Bank Plc has donated back-to-school packs to school pupils in Plateau State.
The intervention, which took place in Jos, saw over 600 randomly selected pupils drawn from all 17 Local Government Areas of the state benefit from the bank’s Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiative. Each pupil received a school bag containing exercise books, writing materials, a mathematical set, and a water bottle, in a gesture designed to support their learning journey and encourage academic excellence.
The initiative was facilitated by staff of Fidelity Bank’s University of Jos Branch, reflecting the bank’s culture of giving back to the communities it serves through the Fidelity Helping Hands Programme (FHHP), a key feature of the bank’s CSR strategy. Through the programme, staff identify impactful community projects and raise funds to support them, while the bank’s management matches their contributions to expand the reach and impact of each intervention.
Speaking at the event, Dr. Meksley Nwagboh, Divisional Head, Brand and Communications, Fidelity Bank Plc, said the initiative underscores the bank’s unwavering commitment to education as a catalyst for national development. “Investing in young people is one of the most impactful ways to build a brighter future, as education equips children with the knowledge, confidence, and opportunities needed to contribute meaningfully to society.
Nwagboh further stated that the intervention reflects Fidelity Bank’s broader commitment to social impact and sustainable community development through initiatives that improve lives and create long-term value. He emphasized that the Bank remains dedicated to empowering future generations through education-focused programs and encouraged the pupils to remain diligent in their studies, reminding them that their aspirations are valid and that the future of Nigeria rests in the hands of well-educated, determined, and inspired young people.
Also speaking at the presentation event, Shunom Leo, Branch Leader, Fidelity Bank, University of Jos Branch, whose team championed the intervention, said the initiative reflects the bank’s dedication to nurturing future leaders.
“This is more than a donation of school items. It is a deliberate investment in the future of Plateau State and in the promise these children represent. Across Nigeria, Fidelity Bank has remained committed to projects that improve lives, support education and strengthen communities,” Leo said.
Representing Governor Caleb Mutfwang, the Plateau State Governor, the Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Ms. Caroline Dafur, commended Fidelity Bank and Plateau State Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) office for what she described as a timely and meaningful investment in children.
“Let me sincerely appreciate Fidelity Bank and the Plateau State SDGs office for organizing this memorable ‘back-to-school’ campaign. This gesture of distributing school bags and learning equipment to our pupils is more than charity; it is an investment in the future of Plateau children,” Dafur said.
She further reaffirmed the Plateau State Government’s commitment to prioritizing education, healthcare, social protection, and the overall wellbeing of children, while calling for increased collaborations to ensure sustained development.
In her opening remarks, Mrs. Nanbam Danjuma-Lot, Project Coordinator of the Plateau State SDGs, applauded Fidelity Bank for partnering with the agency to positively impact the lives of children across the state, stating that, “Partnerships such as 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 follow this example by contributing meaningfully to their host communities.”
Similarly, Mr. Sunday Amuna, Executive Secretary of the Plateau State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB), described the intervention as a foundation-laying initiative that would have long-term benefits for the beneficiaries.
“The strength and durability of any structure depend largely on its foundation, the foundation we give these children today will determine the stability of their future. Fidelity Bank has made a meaningful contribution to that foundation and we commend the bank for this impactful intervention,” he said.
Notably, the donation also benefited physically challenged children with varying degrees of disability, reinforcing Fidelity Bank’s commitment to inclusion and equal opportunities for all.
Through initiatives such as the FHHP, Fidelity Bank continues to demonstrate its commitment to empowering communities, supporting education and contributing to sustainable development across Nigeria.
Ranked among the best banks in Nigeria, Fidelity Bank Plc is a full-fledged Commercial Deposit Money Bank serving more than 10 million customers through digital banking channels, its 255 business offices in Nigeria and United Kingdom subsidiary, FidBank UK Limited.
The Bank is a recipient of multiple local and international awards, including the 2025 Development Bank of Nigeria (DBN) Innovation Award for MSME support; Best Retail and SME Bank Award from Independent Newspapers; Best Bank for Export & Trade Finance and Most Innovative Bank of the Year at the 2025 BusinessDay Banks and Financial Institutions (BAFI) Awards; and Nigeria’s Best Private Bank at the 2025 Euromoney Awards. The Bank also received the inaugural Most Improved Commercial Bank of the Year award by Nairametrics, the SME Bank of the Year award by NewsDirect, and the Straight-Through Processing (STP) Excellence Award by Citi Group, in addition to recognition by Global Brands Magazine for Excellence in Community Empowerment.