Residents of Ihie Town in the Etche Local Government Area of Rivers State were recently overjoyed when Fidelity Bank distributed food packs to over 1,500 individuals.
The food distribution in Ihie town was executed in partnership with The Reach Nigeria Foundation, a non-profit organization focused on sustainable development.
The initiative was a strong demonstration of the commitment of the financial institution to community development and poverty alleviation under its Food Bank programme launched in April 2023.
It is part of the bank’s broader corporate social responsibility drive aimed at combating hunger and improving livelihoods across Nigeria.
The scheme also perfectly aligns with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goal 2 which aims to achieve zero hunger.
Speaking at the donation event, the Regional Bank Head for Rivers/Bayelsa 1 & South Commercial at Fidelity Bank, Mr Ibisiki Eretoru, noted that the success of the lender is essentially linked to the well-being and prosperity of the communities in which it operates.
“The Food Bank Initiative is our way of contributing to the well-being of our host communities through regular food support. Each month, with the support of our network of dedicated partners, we distribute food packs to individuals and families across the country,” Mr Eretoru said.
“To date, we have distributed over 200,000 food packs through similar outreaches aimed at supporting individuals, strengthening businesses and transforming entire economies,” he added.
Also commenting, the chief executive of The Reach Nigeria Foundation, Ms Benedicta Ibiyemie Ayarete, disclosed that the community was selected due to its need for food support during ...-planting and pre-harvest period.
“Though Ihie is an agrarian community, we identified it as needing food support at this time. The peaceful nature of the community also makes it a viable location for Fidelity Bank to sustain and grow its presence. We are proud to be part of the meaningful impact of this outreach on the people,” she explained.
Expressing his gratitude, the paramount ruler of Ihie community, Eze Richard Amadi, commended the bank’s timely intervention, describing it as “a stitch in time” and a noteworthy effort that addresses the needs of the people.
Also speaking at the event, Chairman of the Ihie Community Development Committee, Mr Stephen Asoh, expressed appreciation to Fidelity Bank, highlighting the positive difference the donations will make in the lives of many residents.
One of the beneficiaries, Mr Mike Okere, praised Fidelity Bank for the initiative and called on other financial institutions to emulate the bank’s approach to community engagement and impact.