…Donates 1,000 Bags Under “Lighting Young Minds” Initiative
In a landmark move to support access to quality education, Fidelity Bank Plc has launched the “Lighting Young Minds” initiative, donating 1,000 solar-powered school bags to pupils in public primary schools across Ogun State.
The initiative was officially unveiled on Friday, July 4, 2025, at a special event in Abeokuta, the Ogun State capital. It underscores the bank’s commitment to removing systemic barriers to education—particularly the lack of access to electricity in underserved communities.
Speaking at the launch, Dr. Nneka Onyeali-Ikpe, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Fidelity Bank, emphasized that the program aligns with the bank’s Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) focus on expanding educational opportunities.
“At Fidelity Bank, we believe education is not just about knowledge transfer—it’s a catalyst for transformation and a bridge to a brighter future,” she stated.
Dr. Onyeali-Ikpe explained that the donation of solar-powered school bags—implemented through the bank’s SWEETA (Supporting Women, Education, Empowerment Through Access) initiative—aims to enable pupils to study safely at night without relying on candles or kerosene lamps.
“Beyond enhancing academic outcomes, this effort is about sparking innovation and resilience among young learners,” she added.
Fidelity Bank’s Broader Commitment to Education
In addition to the solar-powered school bag initiative, Dr. Onyeali-Ikpe highlighted several other ongoing educational investments by Fidelity Bank, including:
SWEETA School Fees Support Initiative – Over ₦8 billion disbursed in tuition assistance to eligible families.
Read2Lead Writing Competition – Engaging over 3,000 students nationwide through grants and recognition.
Back-to-School Loans – Tailored financial products for parents and guardians.
Fidelity EduLoan – Designed to support school infrastructure development and asset acquisition.
Green Energy Financing Program – Promotes sustainable energy solutions in schools, aligning with the solar-powered bag initiative.
The 1,000 solar-powered bags will be distributed to schools across all 20 local government areas in Ogun State.
The event also featured Her Excellency, Mrs. Bamidele Abiodun, First Lady of Ogun State, who lauded the initiative as a timely and impactful step in child development and foundational education.
“This project directly addresses a core challenge—electricity—in our communities. It’s a smart, innovative approach that ensures children can stay in school and thrive,” she remarked.
Mrs. Abiodun also noted that the program aligns with United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 4, which advocates inclusive and equitable quality education. She called on other private sector stakeholders to emulate Fidelity Bank’s leadership in social impact.
Empowering the Future, One Child at a Time
The “Lighting Young Minds” initiative is part of Fidelity Bank’s broader vision to empower future generations through inclusive, sustainable, and innovation-driven educational programs. The bank remains steadfast in its mission to bridge opportunity gaps and build a more promising future for Nigerian children.
About Fidelity Bank
Fidelity Bank Plc is a full-service commercial bank serving over 10 million customers through a robust network of 255 business offices, digital platforms, and its UK-based subsidiary, FidBank UK Limited.
The bank has received numerous local and international accolades, including:
2024 Excellence in Digital Transformation & MSME Banking – BusinessDay BAFI Awards
2024 Most Innovative Mobile Banking Application – Global Business Outlook
2024 Most Innovative Investment Banking Service Provider – Global Brands Magazine
Best Bank for SMEs in Nigeria – Euromoney Awards for Excellence
Export Financing Bank of the Year – BusinessDay BAFI Awards
Through initiatives like “Lighting Young Minds,” Fidelity Bank continues to set the pace in social responsibility and sustainable development across Nigeria.
