No fewer than 100 women in Ogun State have been empowered with vocational tools designed to strengthen their economic independence and boost household income.
The items were distributed to the beneficiaries by Fidelity Bank Plc through its recently launched Give Her Power initiative, created to foster inclusive growth and sustainable development.
The outreach is part of the bank’s nationwide rollout of the initiative, which was unveiled earlier in March during the signing of strategic Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) with partner organisations to commemorate 2026 International Women’s Day.
Business Post gathered that 50 sewing machines and 50 grinding machines were given to the women engaged in microbusinesses at the MKO Abiola Sports Arena in Abeokuta, the state capital.
The Regional Bank Head for Southwest 1 at Fidelity Bank, Mr Folaranmi Jemirin, noted that the scheme aligns with the lender’s broader commitment to delivering practical, measurable empowerment interventions.
“At Fidelity Bank, our approach to empowerment is simple; it must be practical, inclusive, and sustainable. When you empower a woman economically, the benefits extend to her family, her business, and the wider community.
“This outreach in Abeokuta is a continuation of the momentum created with the launch of the ‘Give Her Power’ initiative earlier in March,” Mr Jemirin stated.
He explained that the Give Her Power initiative is anchored on HerFidelity, the company’s women-focused proposition, which provides financial literacy, business support, vocational training, mentorship, and wellness initiatives for women-led enterprises.
Mr Jemirin further revealed that the bank had scaled its women-focused interventions nationwide, including the distribution of 1,000 sewing and grinding machines, the rollout of the HerFidelity Apprenticeship Programme 2.0, financial literacy sessions for girls, mentorship engagements, and hands-on skills training.
“This is more than a donation, it’s our vote of confidence in your ability to earn, grow, and create value within your communities,” he added, urging beneficiaries to make productive use of the items.
Commending the initiative, the Ogun State Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Mrs Adijat Adeleye-Oladapo, described the programme as a meaningful shift from symbolic celebrations to tangible empowerment.
“This initiative goes beyond celebrating International Women’s Day. It delivers real opportunities for transformation. When you empower a woman, you empower a family and, ultimately, society,” she stated.
She further praised Fidelity Bank for complementing the efforts of the Ogun State government, urging beneficiaries to make productive use of the equipment, stressing that the true value of the initiative lies in its long-term impact on livelihoods and community development.
