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 and the launch of its “Give Her Power” initiative aimed at equipping Nigerian women with practical skills, mentorship and financial knowledge.
The initiative, unveiled as part of activities marking the International Women’s Day 2026 celebration, brings together partners 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 designed to provide vocational training, business support and sustainable enterprise opportunities for women across different sectors.
Speaking during the launch, the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Fidelity Bank, Nneka Onyeali-Ikpe, said the initiative reflects the bank’s commitment to creating opportunities that help women achieve financial independence and build sustainable businesses.
She noted that empowering women is not only a social responsibility but also an economic strategy capable of driving growth.
According to her, the “Give Her Power” initiative and the HerFidelity Apprenticeship Programme will provide women with vocational skills, practical tools and financial knowledge to help them transition from informal hustles to sustainable enterprises.
She disclosed that throughout March, the programme will implement several interventions, including the distribution of 1,000 sewing and grinding machines to support women-led micro businesses.
Women will also receive vocational training in areas such as automobile mechanics, interior decoration, barbing, hair making and shoe production.
Other components of the initiative include professional headshot sessions to help women strengthen their personal and professional brands, mentorship engagements with successful female entrepreneurs and hands-on training in makeup artistry, nail care and traditional headgear tying.
Onyeali-Ikpe added that empowering women economically has far-reaching benefits beyond individual beneficiaries.
She explained that when women are empowered financially, families are strengthened, businesses grow and communities are uplifted, noting that global research indicates that advancing women could add as much as $12 trillion to the world’s Gross Domestic Product.
Also speaking at the event, the Lagos State Commissioner for Commerce, Cooperatives, Trade and Investment, Folashade Ambrose-Medebem, commended Fidelity Bank for promoting entrepreneurship and supporting women across the country.
She said 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.
Similarly, 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.
According to her, empowering women economically remains one of the most effective ways to reduce poverty and strengthen communities, adding that collaboration between government and the private sector can create meaningful opportunities for women.
Representatives of the partner organisations also expressed appreciation to Fidelity Bank for the collaboration, noting that the partnership would expand vocational training opportunities and strengthen entrepreneurship among women.
The “Give Her Power” initiative is expected to empower hundreds of women through skills development, mentorship and start-up support while reinforcing the role of women as key contributors to Nigeria’s economic growth.
Fidelity Bank Plc currently serves over 10 million customers through its digital banking platforms and more than 250 business offices across Nigeria, as well as its United Kingdom subsidiary, FidBank UK Limited. The bank has also received several local and international recognitions for innovation in digital banking, MSME support and export financing.
