From Yusufu Aminu Idegu, Lokoja
Management of Fidelity Bank has distributed essential food items to over one thousand families comprising of women and youths in Kogi State.
Distributing the food items at an outreach held at Youths Centre Lokoja on Monday, the Regional Manager of the Bank, Blessing Onwumere, in her welcome address, said that over 1,000 Kogi women across all ages formed the beneficiaries.
Onwumere noted that the Fidelity Food Bank programme was created in April 2023 as part of the bank’s contributions to the reduction of hunger and malnutrition in their host communities.
”Since its inception, we have distributed more than 180,000 food packs to Nigerians across our six geo-political zones.
”Through this programme, we are also helping to meet the Sustainable Development Goal 2, which aims to achieve zero hunger.
”At Fidelity Bank, we consistently undertake Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives across the country, aimed at improving the living conditions of our host communities and fostering sustainable development,” Onwumere said.
Acknowledging the gesture, Kogi State Governor, Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo, who was represented by the state Commissioner for Water Resources, Hon Yahaya Muhammed Farouk, applauded the bank for recognising Kogi women for the CSR.
”This is the first bank to publicly (extend) hands of support to the vulnerable across the state. For this, we acknowledge and (assure) the bank of a more business friendly environment in the state,” Ododo said.
The food distribution program was also honored by the state’s First Lady, Safinat Usman Ododo, commend the bank for complementing the efforts of the state governor in the areas of women empowerment.
In his goodwill message at the event, the state Commissioner for Youths, Comrade Monday Aridaojo, said, “On behalf of the 1.8 million youths in Kogi State, I appreciate Fidelity Bank for providing succour.”
Speaking on behalf of the beneficiaries, Zainab Abubakar said, “My joy is that this is the first time I am benefiting from this essential food package. I see this as empowerment to families in Kogi State.”