Fidelity Bank Extends Lifeline to 1,000 IDPs in Plateau with Food Bank Initiative

L-R: Hajiya Hauwa Abbas, CEO/Founder, ABBASID Charity Foundation; Mr. Shunom Leo, Branch Manager, Fidelity Bank Plc, University of Jos Branch; Mrs. Nanbam Danjuma-Lot, Project Coordinator of the Plateau State Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs); and Mrs. Victoria Abuka, Team Lead, Corporate Social Responsibility, Fidelity Bank Plc; at the Fidelity Food Bank Initiative outreach in Mangu Local Government Area, Plateau State, recently.

In a significant demonstration of its commitment to alleviating hunger and supporting vulnerable communities, leading financial institution, Fidelity Bank Plc, has provided food relief to more than 1,000 Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) in Mangu Local Government Area of Plateau State through its Fidelity Food Bank Initiative.

The humanitarian outreach, conducted in collaboration with the Plateau State Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Office and supported by the ABBASID Charity Foundation, delivered essential food items including rice, noodles, and tomatoes to displaced families currently residing in transit camps across the community.

Speaking during the distribution exercise, Divisional Head, Brand and Communications, Fidelity Bank Plc, Dr Meksley Nwagboh, reaffirmed the bank's dedication to supporting communities through impactful social interventions.

“The Fidelity Food Bank Initiative was conceived as a way of giving sustenance to the society and supporting vulnerable groups across Nigeria. Today, we are delighted to be in Mangu to extend this support to families affected by displacement. We hope this intervention helps nourish households and contribute to reducing the burden of hunger currently affecting them," he said.

The intervention forms part of Fidelity Bank's Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) programme aimed at addressing food insecurity and providing critical support to vulnerable populations facing economic hardship and displacement. Nwagboh noted that the Fidelity Food Bank has become a key platform through which the bank contributes to national efforts aimed at reducing hunger and improving the welfare of underserved communities across the country.

Also speaking at the event, Mrs. Nanbam Danjuma-Lot, Project Coordinator of the Plateau State Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), described the intervention as timely and impactful given the challenges faced by families living in IDP camps.

"Following the attacks and destruction experienced by these communities in recent years, many families continue to face significant hardship. We are pleased to partner with Fidelity Bank and other humanitarian organizations to bring succor to those affected. This reflects our collective commitment to supporting affected persons and helping them rebuild their lives," she stated.

The Founder of ABBASID Charity Foundation, Mrs. Hauwa Abbas, highlighted the importance of strategic partnerships in addressing food insecurity across Nigeria.

"Our collaboration with Fidelity Bank has enabled us to extend food support to vulnerable communities nationwide. So far, we have reached between 32 and 40 communities across the country, providing much-needed assistance to families affected by hunger and economic hardship," she stated.

Responding on behalf of beneficiaries, Mr. Titus Abednago, Village Head of Changal Community, expressed profound appreciation to Fidelity Bank, the Plateau State Government, and other partners for their support.

"This intervention has brought hope and relief to many families. We sincerely thank Fidelity Bank and all stakeholders for remembering our people during these challenging times. We also appeal for continued efforts to restore lasting peace so that our people can return to their farms and rebuild their livelihoods," he said.