Leading financial institution, Fidelity Bank Plc, has donated a solar-powered borehole facility to Eyosung Community in Udung Uko Local Government Area, Akwa Ibom State.
The donation was initiated by the bank’s Risk Management Directorate under the bank’s Corporate Social Responsibility Initiative known as the Fidelity Helping Hands Programme (FHHP). Through the FHHP, Fidelity Bank employees identify impactful community projects and contribute towards their execution, with the bank matching the funds raised by its staff to amplify the collective effort.
Speaking during the inauguration ceremony, the Executive Director/ Chief Risk Officer, Fidelity Bank Plc, Mr. Kelvin Ugwuoke, who was represented by Mrs. Kufre Edem, Regional Bank Head, Cross Rivers and Akwa Ibom, Fidelity Bank Plc, noted that, “The solar powered water facility was a testament to the bank’s commitment to improving the welfare of its host communities and the bank has a long-standing tradition of supporting communities through various CSR initiatives.
According to Ugwuoke, “The water project aligns with the UN Sustainable Development Goals and it will positively impact on the lives of no fewer than 8,000 persons in the community. The project is expected to positively impact 2,500 students and 25 teachers at the local community school. It will also serve the water need of 5,000 individuals, representing 1,000 households. It will reduce their reliance on unsafe water sources and minimize the distance and time spent on fetching water.”
Ugwuoke emphasized on the bank’s commitment to fostering positive change in the society noting that, “This initiative underscores Fidelity Bank’s commitment to making meaningful contributions toward combating poverty, reducing diseases, improving access to education, and enhancing the quality of life in under-served communities.
“For instance, through our Fidelity Food Bank initiative, we have distributed thousands of food packs to vulnerable communities across Nigeria since April 2023. Similarly, through the Fidelity Helping Hands Programme, we have successfully implemented numerous projects, including the renovation of school blocks, donation of essential items to orphanages, and the construction of classrooms and sports facilities,” he stated.
On his part, the Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Pastor Umo Eno, who was represented by Mr. Frank Archibong, the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, commended the bank for its kind gesture to the community while noting that, the project was in alliance with the ARISE agenda of his administration.
He urged the community to take ownership of the project by ensuring good maintenance culture in its usage.
Appreciating the gesture from the bank, the Council Chairman of Udung Uko, Mr. Godwin Okponung, commended Fidelity Bank and appealed for more people-oriented projects in the area. He also promised to safeguard the project from vandalism.
Ranked as one of Nigeria’s leading financial institutions, Fidelity Bank Plc serves over 8.3 million customers across its 251 business offices in Nigeria and the United Kingdom, as well as through its digital channels. It was also honored as Best Bank for SMEs in Nigeria at the 2023 Euromoney Awards for Excellence, and more recently, at the 2024 BusinessDay Banks and Other Financial Institutions (BAFI) Awards, Fidelity Bank Plc was recognized as MSME Bank of the Year and Export Financing Bank of the Year.
