Fidelity Bank Plc has reiterated its dedication to social impact and educational advancement by donating essential learning materials to pupils in Makoko Community, Yaba, Lagos, under its Fidelity Helping Hands Program (FHHP). The initiative reflects the bank’s ongoing commitment to improving access to quality education, particularly for children in underserved communities.
The outreach exercise, driven by volunteers from the bank’s Legal Services Division, involved the distribution of school bags, exercise books, mathematical sets, writing materials, and other basic learning tools. Beneficiary schools included Makoko Anglican Nursery and Primary School, Aiyetoro Nursery and Primary School, and Adekunle Anglican Nursery and Primary School.
Speaking during the presentation ceremony, the Divisional Head of Legal Services at Fidelity Bank Plc, Kingsley Ohiri, explained that the intervention is part of the bank’s broader corporate social responsibility (CSR) agenda, which prioritizes education, youth empowerment, and social welfare.
According to him, the Fidelity Helping Hands Program is a staff-led volunteer initiative that allows employees to identify pressing needs within their communities and implement projects that deliver meaningful impact. He noted that through this platform, staff members from the Legal Services Division mobilized resources to provide back-to-school materials that would directly support learning outcomes for children in Makoko.
Ohiri emphasized that education remains one of the core pillars of Fidelity Bank’s CSR strategy, especially in public schools where many pupils come from low-income households. He disclosed that the outreach saw the distribution of over 500 school bags, more than 2,000 exercise books, and several other educational items.
He added that the bank believes equipping children with the right learning tools is a vital step toward building a more secure future for the pupils, their communities, and the nation at large. By reducing barriers to education, Fidelity Bank aims to contribute to long-term social and economic development.
The initiative, targeted at improving the learning environment in one of Lagos’ most marginalized riverine communities, was warmly received by school administrators, teachers, parents, and community members. Many expressed appreciation for the bank’s intervention, describing it as timely and impactful.
The Head Teacher of Adekunle Nursery and Primary School, Mrs. Tinubu Abimbola, commended Fidelity Bank for including her school among the beneficiaries. She noted that the provision of learning materials would significantly enhance pupils’ academic performance. She also praised the recognition of pupils who ranked first to tenth in their classes, describing it as a strong motivational tool that encourages healthy competition and academic excellence.
Similarly, the School Manager of Makoko Anglican Nursery and Primary School, Mr. Laoye Joseph, described the donation as a clear demonstration of compassion and corporate responsibility. He highlighted the economic challenges faced by many families in the community, which often make it difficult for parents to provide basic school supplies for their children. According to him, the bank’s support has eased this burden and will have a lasting positive effect on the pupils.
Teachers present at the event also shared concerns about pupils attending school without essential learning materials, a situation that affects classroom participation and overall performance. They praised Fidelity Bank for stepping in to support both pupils and parents at a time when the cost of living continues to rise.
Under the Fidelity Helping Hands Program, staff members across the bank identify community-based projects and contribute funds toward their execution, while the bank’s management matches these contributions to expand their scale and impact. This collaborative approach ensures that CSR initiatives are both employee-driven and institutionally supported.
Fidelity Bank Plc is ranked among Nigeria’s leading commercial banks, serving over 9.1 million customers through its digital platforms, 255 business offices nationwide, and its United Kingdom subsidiary, FidBank UK Limited. The bank has received several local and international awards in recognition of its innovation and performance, particularly in digital banking, MSME support, and investment banking services.
Through initiatives like this Makoko outreach, Fidelity Bank continues to demonstrate its commitment to inclusive growth, education, and community development across Nigeria.
