Hardship: Fidelity Bank Partners A/Ibom To Lift 300 Women In Business

To cushion the effects of the prevailing socio-economic hardship, Fidelity Bank Plc, has extended its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) gesture to no fewer than 300 vulnerable women drawn from the its Akwa Ibom host communities.

In partnership with the Golden Initiative for All (GIFA), the pet project of the late former First Lady of the State, Patience Umo Eno, the beneficiaries from the 31 local government areas, who converged at Government House, Uyo, were empowered with cash grants and business tools, to strengthen their enterprises and improve their livelihoods.

LEADERSHIP Weekend learnt the scheme was part of the GIFA’s continuing interventions aimed at promoting women’s economic independence and supporting small businesses across the State.

Speaking at the event, the Coordinator of the office of the First Lady, and Chairman, Board of Trustees (BoT) of GIFA, Lady Helen Eno Obareki, noted that with the successful hosting of the programme, the number of people impacted by GIFA under her Women Empowerment Thematic Area, had been raised to about 7,000 beneficiaries.

Lady Helen, who described the programme as a practical demonstration of the vision of her mother, the First Lady and Founder of GIFA, Pastor Patience Umo Eno, reiterated her commitment to improving the dignity, independence and well-being of women through measurable and life-changing interventions.

She said GIFA had continued to take its interventions directly to communities through its programmes across eight thematic areas, noting that the latest empowerment programme was designed to provide women with practical tools capable of transforming their businesses.

“Through our various programmes across eight thematic areas, we have taken real help directly to our rural communities. Just last month, through
our “GIFA at Your Doorstep” initiative, we delivered business equipment
and cash grants straight to the homes and shops of our small business
owners. The feedback from that outreach continues to move me deeply, and today, we are taking that same energy further by empowering yet another strong group of women with the tools they need to succeed,” she said.

Mrs. Obareki , explained that 300 beneficiaries were receiving support across three major areas of enterprise. 100 women in the tailoring and fashion industry were presented with professional sewing machines, while another 100 women received modern grinders to support agricultural processing and related businesses.

She added that the remaining 100 beneficiaries were supported through financial empowerment, with 20 women receiving financial support alongside Point-of-Sale (POS) machines, while the other 80 received cash grants.

Lady Obareki said empowering women had a multiplier effect on families and communities, stressing that women who receive support to expand their businesses could employ others, strengthen their households and contribute more significantly to the state’s economic development.

She particularly appreciated the Executive Director, South, Fidelity Bank Plc, Mrs Pamela Shodipo; Regional Bank Head, Akwa Ibom/Cross River, Mrs Kufretido Etim; and members of the bank’s executive team for their contribution towards the initiative.

Speaking earlier, the Executive Director, South South Directorate, Fidelity Bank, Mrs Pamela Shodipo, said the bank was delighted to contribute to the empowerment of women in Akwa Ibom State, describing the intervention as a demonstration of its confidence in the resilience, creativity and capacity of women to transform their lives and positively impact their families and communities.

She noted that empowerment was about providing people with the tools and capital needed, to turn their potential into possibilities and ultimately prosperity, stressing that when a woman is empowered, families are strengthened, children are better supported, communities are transformed, and businesses and jobs are created.

She described the items as “instruments of possibilities” capable of providing sustainable sources of income, expressing optimism that the intervention would translate into thriving businesses, economically independent women and more prosperous communities. She said the bank was committed to partnering with Akwa Ibom State on a long-term basis in economic development, noting that the state was home to young people, traders, farmers and other enterprising citizens contributing daily to its economic growth.

She further commended the Executive Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Pastor Umo Bassey Eno, for his commitment to empowerment through the ARISE Agenda, and GIFA for its interventions in support of women and vulnerable members of society, urging the beneficiaries to see the intervention ‘not as charity but a vote of confidence in their ability to turn opportunities into sustainable businesses and create opportunities for others.

Setting the tone for the event, the Team Lead of GIFA, Pastor Anne Abraham, emphasised the importance of investing in women, noting that empowering them creates lasting impact, supports their overall wellbeing and dignity, also serves as a tool of empowerment to another woman.

The Head of Financial Inclusion at Fidelity Bank, Obinna Egwuonwu, speaking on the theme, “Managing My Business,” charged the beneficiaries to build reputable and sustainable businesses by continuously developing their capacity, being intentional about growth, sustainability, and professionalism.

They expressed appreciation to the Governor for providing an enabling environment for women and other vulnerable groups to thrive, noting that the intervention would expand the sources of livelihood of the beneficiaries and improve their economic wellbeing. They urged the beneficiaries to make productive use of the items and financial support provided, cautioning them against selling the equipment but rather using them to strengthen and grow their businesses.

Responding on behalf of the beneficiaries, Naomi Emmanuel thanked the Chairman of GIFA for the opportunity to benefit from the empowerment programme, as well as Fidelity Bank for its intervention in the lives of Akwa Ibom women. She said the support had brought smiles to the faces of the beneficiaries and expressed appreciation to Fidelity Bank for believing in the capacity of women in the state and investing in their economic empowerment.

The Patience Umo Eno Golden Initiative For All, GIFA, Business Empowerment For Women, provided 50 sewing machines, 50 grinding machines, Point-of-Sale (POS) machines, 500 bags of food items (Fidelity Food Bank) and N25 million in financial support provided by Fidelity Bank Plc in the first phase, with another phase of 50 sewing machines and 50 grinding machines expected shortly, for the remaining 100 Beneficiaries.