In commemoration of International Women’s Day 2026, Fidelity Bank Plc has announced a series of masterclasses and support initiatives designed to help women build practical, income generating skills, strengthen professional visibility, and accelerate career growth throughout March 2026.

The activities are being delivered under the bank’s women focused proposition, HerFidelity, and align with the “Give to Gain” theme guiding this year’s programme of engagements.

On March 18, 2026, HerFidelity hosted a “Give to Gain” masterclass focused on communication and presentation. The session offered practical guidance on audience engagement, event moderation, confidence-building, and personal branding, with a strong focus on women looking to improve their public speaking and professional presence.

A second event, the Gele Masterclass scheduled for March 30, 2026, will provide hands-on training in gele tying. HerFidelity is positioning the session as a celebration of cultural expression and a marketable skill women can turn into a source of income.

In addition to the masterclasses, the bank will provide professional headshot sessions to help participants update their personal and professional profiles.

“At Fidelity Bank, we believe that empowering women economically creates an impact that extends beyond the individual. It strengthens families, grows businesses, and uplifts communities. That is why we have designed an elaborate plan to upskill women throughout this month. We want women to leave these sessions with practical tools they can apply immediately, whether that is speaking confidently in public, building a stronger personal brand, or learning a skill that can generate income,” said Ugochi Osinigwe, Divisional Head, Small and Medium-scale Enterprises Banking, Fidelity Bank Plc.

Earlier this month, the bank reaffirmed its commitment to women’s economic empowerment with the signing of strategic MoUs with partner organisations at the launch of its “Give Her Power” initiative on March 5, 2026. The collaborations, anchored on the bank’s HerFidelity Apprenticeship Programme, are designed to expand access to vocational training, business support, and sustainable enterprise opportunities for women across multiple sectors.

As part of the initiative, Fidelity Bank is distributing 1,000 sewing and grinding machines to empower women-led microbusinesses across Nigeria.

Ranked among the best banks in Nigeria, Fidelity Bank Plc is a full-fledged Commercial Deposit Money Bank serving over 10 million customers through digital banking channels, its 255 business offices in Nigeria and United Kingdom subsidiary, FidBank UK Limited.

The Bank is a recipient of multiple local and international Awards, including the 2024 Excellence in Digital Transformation & MSME Banking Award by BusinessDay Banks and Financial Institutions (BAFI) Awards; the 2024 Most Innovative Mobile Banking Application award for its Fidelity Mobile App by Global Business Outlook, and the 2024 Most Innovative Investment Banking Service Provider award by Global Brands Magazine. Additionally, the Bank was recognized as the Best Bank for SMEs in Nigeria by the Euromoney Awards for Excellence and as the Export Financing Bank of the Year by the BusinessDay Banks and Financial Institutions (BAFI) Awards.

Tier-one lender Fidelity Bank Plc, has reaffirmed its leadership in the diaspora banking sector with the successful hosting of the Fidelity Diaspora Summit 2026, a global virtual engagement designed to help Nigerians living abroad navigate evolving policies and identify credible opportunities for wealth creation in Nigeria.

The summit held virtually on Saturday, 14 March 2026, and convened Nigerians across key diaspora markets including the United Kingdom, the United States, Canada, and the United Arab Emirates.

“Our theme today is, “Navigating the New Tax Policy and Unlocking Investment Opportunities in Nigeria”. This subject is timely, practical, and matters to every Nigerian in the diaspora who earns, saves, owns assets or invests back home.

“It is no news that Nigerians living abroad are our strongest ambassadors. You do much more than remit funds, you carry our reputation, our enterprise, and our potential into boardrooms, hospitals, laboratories, studios, and technology hubs around the world. Many people describe the diaspora as Nigeria’s thirty-seventh state, and the description fits because of your scale and your impact”, remarked the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Fidelity Bank Plc, Dr. Nneka Onyeali-Ikpe,OON, during her welcome address at the webinar.

The summit, which followed a maiden edition held in 2021, featured topical presentations delivered by thought leaders across local and international markets. Delivering the keynote address, the Chairman of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission, Mrs. Abike Dabiri Erewa, said the role of the diaspora in national development cannot be overemphasised. She noted that diaspora Nigerians contribute across multiple spheres through skills development, investments, intellectual property, and global exposure; and she commended Fidelity Bank for convening the platform.

In another session, the Group Managing Director, Financial Derivatives Limited, Mr. Bismarck Rewane, shared insights on Nigeria’s macroeconomic outlook in a presentation titled, “2026 Economic Outlook and Economic Opportunities in Nigeria”. Partner and Leader, Tax and Regulatory Service, PwC, Mr Chijioke Uwaegbute, also provided clarity on the new tax act and its specific implications for Nigerians living abroad.

The second half of the webinar focused on investing in Nigeria and positioning for sustainable returns. Chairman, Tekedia Capital, Prof Ndubuisi Ekekwe, reinforced the need for informed participation supported by credible partners and compliant pathways, as a foundation for diaspora investors seeking durable value across asset classes and sectors in Nigeria. Tech entrepreneur and venture capitalist, Mr Ike Eze, in a presentation titled, “The Nigeria Tech Playbook, Funding Trends and Exit Strategy”, also offered a market grounded view of the technology investment landscape, and shared frameworks for approaching opportunity in Africa and Nigeria.

The two-hour session concluded with a panel discussion moderated by the event compere and Arise TV business news anchor, Mr. Rotus Oddiri.

In his closing remarks, the Executive Director and Chief Operations and Information Officer, Fidelity Bank Plc, Mr Stanley Amuchie, thanked participants and panelists for an engaging summit, and restated the bank’s commitment to banking without borders. He encouraged diaspora customers to explore Fidelity Bank diaspora solutions built for their realities, including diaspora accounts that support seamless cross border banking through multi-currency options, secure authentication, dedicated support, and tools for payments and savings.

“As we round off, I encourage you to turn today’s insights into action. Ask the hard questions, seek clarity, do your due diligence, and choose partners that understand both your global context and the local terrain. Fidelity Bank is ready to be that partner”, urged Amuchie.

Ranked among the best banks in Nigeria, Fidelity Bank Plc is a full-fledged Commercial Deposit Money Bank serving over 10 million customers through digital banking channels, its 255 business offices in Nigeria and United Kingdom subsidiary, FidBank UK Limited.

The Bank is a recipient of multiple local and international Awards, including the 2024 Excellence in Digital Transformation & MSME Banking Award by BusinessDay Banks and Financial Institutions (BAFI) Awards; the 2024 Most Innovative Mobile Banking Application award for its Fidelity Mobile App by Global Business Outlook, and the 2024 Most Innovative Investment Banking Service Provider award by Global Brands Magazine. Additionally, the Bank was recognized as the Best Bank for SMEs in Nigeria by the Euromoney Awards for Excellence and as the Export Financing Bank of the Year by the BusinessDay Banks and Financial Institutions (BAFI) Awards.

Residents of Kamba in Dandi Local Government Area of Kebbi State have welcomed the opening of a new branch of Fidelity Bank Plc, describing it as a major milestone that will ease long-standing financial and logistics challenges faced by farmers, small-scale traders and individuals in the community.

The Chairman of Dandi Local Government Council, Dr. Mansur Isah-Kamba, described the branch as a welcome relief after years of limited access to formal banking services. Represented by the Council Secretary, Alhaji Abdulkadir Muhammad, Isah-Kamba noted that residents – including over 83 traditional rulers on the local government payroll—previously travelled long distances to Birnin Kebbi for routine banking transactions.

“With the opening of this branch in our locality, the stress, cost and time associated with banking outside the community will be significantly reduced,” he said. He also commended Fidelity Bank for its foresight and commitment to supporting farmers and small and medium-scale enterprises (SMEs).

On his part, the Sarkin Shikon of Kamba, Alhaji Mahmoud Zarumai-Fana, described farming as the primary occupation in the area will help improve commercial activities.

“Our people are predominantly farmers. Access to financial services will help them improve productivity and livelihoods. Farmers need support such as pumping machines, fertilisers, and pesticides, and proximity to banking services will make it easier to save, access loans, and participate in agricultural intervention programmes,” he said.

Speaking at the official inauguration ceremony, Regional Bank Head, North‑West Region, Fidelity Bank Plc, Mr. Muhammad Lawal‑Ahijo, highlighted the bank’s commitment to expanding financial access and supporting economic growth across Nigeria.

“Our decision to establish this branch is rooted in our belief that every community deserves access to reliable financial services that enable people to grow, businesses to thrive, and local economies to prosper. Kamba is a thriving agricultural community, and the decision to open a branch here is a strategic investment in the future of its farmers, traders, and households. While the infrastructure is for the bank, this branch belongs to the community. We encourage residents to take ownership by fully utilising the services available.” Lawal-Ahijo said.

He further noted the bank’s overall dedication to empowering informal sector workers and small and medium-scale enterprises (SMEs), adding, “Our goal is to bring banking closer to the people and support farmers, SMEs and households with accessible financial services that drive sustainable growth.”

In his remarks, a member of the Kebbi State House of Assembly representing Dandi Constituency, Dr. Abubakar Suleiman-Fana, said the new branch marked a significant step toward strengthening financial inclusion in rural communities.

“This is a milestone for our constituency. Financial inclusion is critical to rural development, and farmers, traders, and youths must take advantage of this opportunity to grow their businesses and improve their economic well-being,” he said.

Residents also expressed delight about the impact the new branch will have on their daily lives. A petty trader, Mrs. Hassana Abubakar, said she previously had to close her shop whenever she travelled to Birnin Kebbi for banking transactions.

“Now I can do my banking here without losing a whole day’s business. This will help my shop grow,” she said.

The opening of the Fidelity Bank branch in Kamba underscores the bank’s ongoing commitment to advancing financial inclusion, supporting rural economies, and empowering farmers and small businesses across Nigeria.

Ranked among the best banks in Nigeria, Fidelity Bank Plc is a full-fledged Commercial Deposit Money Bank serving over 10 million customers through digital banking channels, its 255 business offices in Nigeria and United Kingdom subsidiary, FidBank UK Limited.

The Bank is a recipient of multiple local and international Awards, including the 2024 Excellence in Digital Transformation & MSME Banking Award by BusinessDay Banks and Financial Institutions (BAFI) Awards; the 2024 Most Innovative Mobile Banking Application award for its Fidelity Mobile App by Global Business Outlook, and the 2024 Most Innovative Investment Banking Service Provider award by Global Brands Magazine.

Additionally, the Bank was recognized as the Best Bank for SMEs in Nigeria by the Euromoney Awards for Excellence and as the Export Financing Bank of the Year by the BusinessDay Banks and Financial Institutions (BAFI) Awards.