Fidelity Bank Brings Relief to Ihie Community with Food Bank Initiative

In a continued effort to alleviate poverty and promote community development, Fidelity Bank Plc has donated food packs to more than 1,500 residents of Ihie Town in Etche Local Government Area, Rivers State, through its Food Bank Initiative.

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Speaking at the outreach event, Mr. Ibisiki Eretoru, Regional Bank Head, Rivers/Bayelsa 1 & South Commercial at Fidelity Bank, emphasized the institution’s commitment to the welfare of the communities it serves.

“Our success as a bank is tied to the prosperity of our host communities,” Eretoru said. “The Fidelity Food Bank is part of our broader corporate social responsibility (CSR) efforts. Every month, in collaboration with our partners, we distribute food packs to individuals and families across Nigeria.”

Launched in April 2023, the Fidelity Food Bank initiative aims to combat hunger and improve living standards, aligning with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 2 – Zero Hunger. According to Eretoru, over 200,000 food packs have been distributed nationwide through similar outreach programs.

The Ihie outreach was carried out in partnership with The Reach Nigeria Foundation, a non-profit organization focused on sustainable development. The Foundation’s CEO, Benedicta Ibiyemie Ayarete, noted that the timing of the initiative was critical for the agrarian community, which currently faces food insecurity during the post-planting, pre-harvest season.

“Ihie is a peaceful and viable community where this kind of support is not only needed but sustainable,” Ayarete said.

The intervention was well received by community leaders and residents. His Royal Highness, Eze Richard Amadi, the paramount ruler of Ihie, described the initiative as “a stitch in time,” commending Fidelity Bank for addressing the community’s pressing needs.

Chairman of the Ihie Community Development Committee, Mr. Stephen Asoh, also praised the initiative, stating that it would make a significant difference in the lives of many residents.

One of the beneficiaries, Mr. Mike Okere, expressed his gratitude and urged other financial institutions to adopt similar approaches to community engagement.

The Fidelity Food Bank continues to serve as a beacon of hope to underserved communities, showcasing the bank’s enduring dedication to social responsibility and inclusive development.

Fidelity Bank Plc, ranked among Nigeria’s leading financial institutions, serves over 9.1 million customers through a robust digital banking network and 255 business offices across Nigeria and its UK subsidiary, FidBank UK Limited. The bank has received numerous accolades, including the 2024 Excellence in Digital Transformation & MSME Banking Award by BusinessDay BAFI Awards, and the 2024 Most Innovative Mobile Banking App by Global Business Outlook.

It was also named Best Bank for SMEs in Nigeria by the Euromoney Awards for Excellence and recognized as the Export Financing Bank of the Year by BusinessDay BAFI Awards.