By JKNewsMedia
EFFORTS TO reduce hunger in Nigeria received a boost as Fidelity Bank Plc extended its flagship Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) programme, the Fidelity Food Bank Initiative, to Anambra State.
The outreach provided essential food supplies to more than 2,000 vulnerable residents in Awka, the state capital.
The two-day exercise took place at St. Patrick’s Cathedral, Catholic Diocese of Awka, and at Emmaus House, Anglican Diocese of Awka. Relief materials were distributed to the elderly, widows, and other vulnerable community members.
Dr. Nosa Orumwense, Regional Bank Head, Awka, Fidelity Bank Plc, said the intervention reflects the institution’s continued commitment to community welfare.
“The Fidelity Food Bank was launched as part of our commitment to the well-being of our host communities.
“We are delighted to bring this initiative to Anambra State, in collaboration with our partners to ensure the most vulnerable among us receive support during these difficult times,” Orumwense said.
The initiative drew commendations from community leaders and beneficiaries. Rev. Father Levi Ukor, Director of the Justice, Development and Peace Commission (JDPC), Catholic Diocese of Awka, said partnerships remain crucial in addressing hunger.
“We are truly excited to partner with Fidelity Bank on this noble cause.
“Hunger remains a pressing issue for many households, and the bank’s decision to provide food support to this large number of vulnerable people shows genuine compassion and social responsibility,” Ukor said.
The Most Rev. Paulinus Ezeokafor, Catholic Bishop of Awka Diocese, described food as a basic necessity of life and urged other corporate organisations to emulate Fidelity Bank in tackling poverty.
Chinedu Okafor, Chairman of Awka South Local Government Area, also welcomed the intervention, stressing that it came at the right time for families facing harsh economic realities.
“Fidelity Bank’s intervention could not have come at a better time for the people of Awka. Many of our residents are facing difficult economic realities, and this gesture brings real relief to families in need.
“We deeply appreciate the bank’s commitment to our community and pledge our administration’s continued support for initiatives that improve the welfare of our people,” Okafor said.
Beneficiaries expressed gratitude for the food support. Mrs. Adanma Mbah, one of the recipients, said the items would help her family significantly.
“The foodstuff will go a long way in supporting my family. Thank you, Fidelity Bank, this just came at the perfect time,” she said.
Another beneficiary, Mrs. Nnenna Okeke, urged other organisations to follow Fidelity Bank’s lead, emphasising the importance of food interventions in tackling hunger.
The Fidelity Food Bank Initiative, launched in April 2023, has distributed more than 250,000 food packs across Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones, reaching over 300 communities nationwide.
“The bank stated that the initiative is one of several community-focused programmes demonstrating its commitment to improving quality of life and fostering sustainable development in host communities.
