By John Ofem, JKNewsMedia Intern
COMMITMENT TO female education and empowerment was the main concerns of Fidelity Bank Plc, which marked the 2025 International Day of the Girl Child with a debate competition for female secondary school students in Lagos.
The event, tagged the She Leads Debate Competition, was held on Thursday, October 16, 2025, at the Fidelity SME Hub in Gbagada. Six schools participated in the contest, engaging in a lively discourse on the topic: “In today’s world, is digital literacy more essential for girls than traditional life skills?”
According to Fidelity Bank, the initiative reflects its continuous effort to promote gender equality and equip young girls with the knowledge and confidence needed to thrive in an evolving digital era.
Delivering the opening remarks, the Divisional Head, Product Development, Fidelity Bank Plc, Mr. Osita Ede, represented by the Head of Women Banking, Mrs. Harriba Harry-Pepple, highlighted the need to support girls with the right skills and opportunities for leadership.
“Each year, this day reminds us of the limitless potential within every girl, potential that must be nurtured, celebrated, and given a platform to shine,” Ede said.
“Through HerFidelity, our Women Banking Initiative, we are committed to creating opportunities that empower girls and women to dream boldly, learn confidently, and lead fearlessly.”
He noted that the debate extended beyond competition, describing it as a meaningful avenue for self-expression and intellectual growth.
“The debate is more than just a contest,” he said. “It provides young girls with the space to express their ideas, challenge societal expectations, and demonstrate their intellectual capabilities.”
Ede added that when girls are educated and supported, they inspire broader progress in society. “When a girl is educated and supported with opportunities for self-expression, she becomes a catalyst for positive change in her community and beyond,” he stated.
After a keenly contested session, Chizaram Unachukwu of Cedec International School emerged the overall winner, receiving a N500,000 cash prize.
Nwatu Chidera of Brookstones and Best Brains International School came second with N300,000, while Chizaram Ekueme of Awesome College secured the third position and received ₦150,000.
Fidelity Bank explained that the She Leads Debate Competition was designed to build girls’ confidence in public speaking, critical thinking, and digital literacy, preparing them for active participation in the global economy.
The initiative, according to the bank, also reinforces its broader commitment to advancing women’s empowerment through strategic partnerships and education-driven interventions under the HerFidelity platform.
The International Day of the Girl Child, commemorated annually on October 11, spotlights the unique challenges faced by girls around the world while advocating for their rights to education, equality, and protection.
Fidelity Bank stated that its participation this year forms part of its social responsibility agenda aimed at enabling young girls to envision leadership and success in the digital age.
Through the 2025 debate, the bank reaffirmed that empowering girls with digital and leadership skills remains vital to driving inclusion and innovation in Nigeria’s future workforce.
