Fidelity Bank Plc, a leading financial institution in Nigeria, has demonstrated its commitment to community development by donating essential maternity kits to 30 expectant mothers at the Mushin Primary Health Centre in Lagos. This initiative, facilitated through the Fidelity Helping Hands Programme (FHHP), underscores the bank’s dedication to improving maternal healthcare and reducing maternal mortality rates in Nigeria. The FHHP, a cornerstone of Fidelity Bank’s corporate social responsibility endeavors, empowers staff members to identify and address critical needs within their local communities. This bottom-up approach ensures that resources are directed towards projects with the most significant impact, fostering a sense of ownership and shared responsibility among the bank’s employees.
The donation of maternity kits addresses a pressing public health concern in Nigeria, where maternal mortality rates remain alarmingly high. According to a 2023 United Nations report, Nigeria accounts for a disproportionately high percentage of global maternal deaths, a stark reality that underscores the urgent need for interventions like Fidelity Bank’s. By providing these essential kits, the bank aims to alleviate some of the financial burden faced by expectant mothers, particularly those from less-privileged backgrounds, and contribute to safer deliveries and improved maternal health outcomes. This initiative aligns with the bank’s broader commitment to enhancing the well-being of the communities it serves.
The Fidelity Helping Hands Programme operates on a unique matching-funds model. Staff members across various business locations identify projects that directly benefit their communities and pool resources to support these initiatives. Fidelity Bank then matches these contributions, effectively doubling the impact of the employees’ efforts. This collaborative approach not only maximizes the financial resources allocated to community projects but also fosters a culture of giving and social responsibility within the bank. The program serves as a testament to Fidelity Bank’s belief in the power of collective action and its commitment to empowering its employees to make a tangible difference in the lives of others.
The donation ceremony at Mushin Primary Health Centre was attended by representatives from Fidelity Bank, local government officials, and healthcare professionals. Dr. Meksley Nwagboh, Divisional Head, Brand and Communications Division at Fidelity Bank Plc, emphasized the bank’s commitment to addressing the challenge of maternal mortality in Nigeria. He highlighted the alarming statistics and reiterated the bank’s dedication to supporting initiatives that improve maternal healthcare in underserved communities. The gesture was warmly received by local authorities and healthcare workers, who recognized the significant impact this donation would have on the lives of pregnant women in the Mushin community.
Dr. Kayode Odufuwa, the medical and health officer for Mushin Local Government Area, expressed gratitude for Fidelity Bank’s intervention, noting that it would not only help reduce maternal mortality but also encourage more women to seek antenatal care. He appealed for continued collaboration with the bank to further strengthen healthcare services in the region. Mrs. Bolanle Odunlami, the Apex Nurse and Deputy Director of Nursing Services in Mushin LGA, echoed these sentiments, praising Fidelity Bank for its generosity and emphasizing the much-needed relief these kits would provide to mothers who struggle to afford essential delivery supplies.
The beneficiaries of the donation expressed heartfelt appreciation for Fidelity Bank’s support. Mrs. Mary Olusanya, a recipient of a maternity kit, spoke on behalf of the other expectant mothers, thanking the bank for its timely intervention. She highlighted the financial challenges many pregnant women face in accessing these essential kits and expressed gratitude for the bank’s commitment to ensuring safe deliveries and improved healthcare for mothers in the Mushin community. This act of kindness resonates deeply with the beneficiaries, reinforcing Fidelity Bank’s reputation as a socially responsible institution dedicated to the well-being of the communities it serves. Fidelity Bank, with its extensive network of business offices and digital banking platforms, continues to demonstrate its commitment to making a positive impact on the lives of its customers and the wider community.
