Fidelity Bank Plc has been recognised for its support for the government’s push to grow the national economy through the real sector.
Indeed the bank won two awards during the 11th Annual Bankers’ Committee Retreat held at Ogere, Ogun State at the weekend.
The awards were given to the bank for its leadership role in the
ongoing efforts to strengthen Nigeria’s agricultural value-chain, as well as
its scommitment to promoting women economic empowerment.
Organised by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), banks and other stakeholders in
the financial system, the two-day retreat was under the theme: “Delivering
Inclusive Growth: Leveraging Digital Finance.”
The bank emerged winner in two categories, securing second place in the ‘Sustainable Agricultural Transaction of the Year Award,’ and third position as the ‘Best Bank in 2019 in Women Economic Empowerment.’
Fidelity Bank won the award on Sustainable Agricultural
Transaction, for its compliance with the sustainable banking principles as
mandated by the regulator of the financial services industry.
On the other hand, the bank’s sustained focus on economic empowerment and SME
funding, which led to its increased support for female businesses, made it to
win the award on Women Economic Empowerment.
The Deputy Governor, Economic Policy, CBN, Dr. Joseph Nnanna, presented the awards to the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, Fidelity Bank Plc, Nnamdi Okonkwo.
Okonkwo, who attributed the feat to the support of the board, management and entire staff of the bank, pointed out that the initiatives being implemented by the lender particularly as it relates to growing the agriculture and non-oil exports sector were yielding the desired result, hence this recognition.
He stated that the lender has provided finance in excess of N50 billion for farm start-up, expansion and consolidation, among others. According to him, Fidelity remains one of the leading disbursement banks of the CBN Commercial Agric. Credit Scheme (CACS). “Over N20 billion has been disbursed to by the bank, resulting in employment generation and economic growth”, he stated.
Okonkwo promised that the bank would not relent in its efforts to improve access to capital, provide technical assistance, and invest in projects that support women and women-led SMEs, in line with CBN’s financial inclusion policy.
- Media Report