The management of Fidelity Bank PLC has generously distributed food packs to women, widows, children, and the vulnerable in Keffi, Nasarawa State.
Addressing newsmen yesterday in Keffi, Nasarawa state during the Fidelity Food Drive in partnership with ABBASID Charity Foundation and Sen. Ahmed Wadada Aliyu (Sarkin Yankin Keffi), Victoria Abuka, the leader of Fidelity Bank’s Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) team, emphasised the impactful Fidelity Food Bank initiative.
Designed to combat the pressing food security challenges facing Nigeria, the initiative focuses on distributing food packs to communities in need.
Abuka stated that since its inception in April 2003, the program has made significant strides, with over 100,000 food packs distributed nationwide. She stressed that these distributions have reached families in more than 100 communities every month, providing vital sustenance where it’s needed most.
She further emphasised that collaborating with 19 partners, Fidelity Bank strategically identifies communities requiring assistance and delivers food packs tailored to support families of five.
Abuka said the initiative has garnered widespread support from local authorities, underscoring its crucial role in addressing hunger across the country.
Victoria stressed the pivotal role of such initiatives, particularly in times of heightened food insecurity. She also commended the concerted efforts of both federal and state governments in tackling this critical issue.
Furthermore, she highlighted the importance of partnerships in the ongoing fight against hunger and expressed optimism for further progress in reducing food insecurity through collaborative endeavours.
“As Fidelity Bank continues to champion the cause of food security, the Fidelity Food Bank initiative stands as a beacon of hope, illuminating the path toward a hunger-free Nigeria,” she said.
Founder of Abbasid Foundation, Hajia Hauwa Abbas, mentioned that the food drive began when she was chosen as the bank’s food bank ambassador in the North. She listed some of the benefiting states to include Jigawa, Zamfara, Zaria, Kebbi, Bauchi, Kano, and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
“I am very pleased with Fidelity Bank because as much as they are collecting money from us, they are giving us back and especially to the women,” she said.
Sen. Wadada Ahmed, representing Nasarawa West Senatorial District, stated that he partnered with Fidelity Bank’s drive to provide food for his people. Ahmed, represented by his wife Zainab Wadada-Ahmed, mentioned that the move was in continuation of his philanthropic gesture to his constituents, especially for orphans and widows.
“We are here today to give back to our people and considering the hardship in the country, this is the little that we can do. I appeal to well-meaning Nigerians to try and collaborate to see how we can help the people that do not have some of the opportunities that we have,” he said.
Secretary of Frontline Women for Development in Nasarawa, Mrs. Susan Nyikwagh, a recipient of the food pack, commended the bank and other partners for the gesture. Nyikwagh, also from Nasarawa State, said the gesture from the bank had moved her to consider opening an account for her children. She appealed to other banks to take a cue from Fidelity.
“I am so happy to receive this gift in a time like this when things are not easy. The bank and their partners are wonderful,” she said.