Fidelity Bank Plc, in partnership with the You Matter Foundation, a pet project of Delta’s first lady, Tobore Oborevwori, on Tuesday, donated N40 million to 400 market women.

Another set of women also received 50 sewing machines and 50 grinding machines as empowerment package. The 500 beneficiaries were selected from the 25 LGAs.

The gesture formed part of the bank’s corporate social responsibility, under the Fidelity Helping Hands Programme and Give Her Power initiative.

In a keynote address at the venue of the distribution in Asaba, the bank’s CEO, Nneka Onyeali-Ikpe, described the initiative as part of the bank’s women-focused proposition, known as HerFidelity.

Ms Onyeali-Ikpe lauded the governor’s wife for her leadership role, support and for hosting the event. According to her, Fidelity bank made a cash donation of N20 million to the foundation, under FHHP.

She said, “The FHHP is a corporate social responsibility platform through which our staff across business locations identify projects that address real needs in their immediate communities, raise funds to support those projects.

“In line with this approach, staff from our branches in Delta raised N10 million for this intervention and the bank’s management matched the fund with equal amount to make it N20 million in accordance with the FHHP policy to deliver meaningful outcomes for the host community.

“Alongside this donation, we are also distributing 50 sewing machines and 50 grinding machines to women in the state under our GHP initiative. The GHP is rooted in a belief we hold strongly at Fidelity Bank that empowerment must be practical, inclusive and sustainable. When women are empowered economically, the benefits extend beyond the individual to families, small businesses and the wider community.”

The first lady commended the bank for the partnership and empowerment of women in Delta. She announced a donation of additional N20 million to the women, bringing the amount of financial donations to N40 million.

Mrs Oborevwori said, “Today, we are here to witness the generosity of Fidelity Bank Plc as they put smiles on the faces of 500 women. At least, 400 beneficiaries will receive cash grants, totalling N20 million, 50 women will receive grinding machines, while another 50 women will receive sewing machines.

“On my part, I am adding an additional N20 million. This means that 400 women will go home with N100,000 each, instead of the initial N50,000.”

(NAN)