AWKA/Nigeria: Fidelity Bank Plc on Friday extended its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Food Bank initiative to Anambra State, providing food support to more than 1,000 residents in Awka.
The outreach, which took place at St. Patrick’s Cathedral, brought together the elderly, widows, low-income earners, and other vulnerable groups who received essential food items to cushion the effects of economic hardship. Each food pack contained staples such as rice, beans, garri, wheat, soup ingredients, beverages, milk, and seasonings.
Speaking at the event, Dr. Nosa Orumwense, Regional Bank Head for Awka, said the initiative aligns with the bank’s mission of combating hunger and improving the living conditions of host communities. He disclosed that since its launch in April 2023, the Food Bank has distributed over 200,000 food packs across Nigeria.
“As a socially responsible organisation, we do not operate in isolation. We support both the government and our host communities through our CSR initiatives to provide succour to the less privileged. This initiative is aimed at alleviating poverty and ameliorating the current economic hardship in society,” Orumwense stated.
In his remarks, the Catholic Bishop of Awka Diocese, Most Rev. Paulinus Ezeokafor, commended the bank for its intervention, noting that food, shelter, and air remain the essentials of life. He urged governments at all levels to improve the economy and challenged other corporate bodies and well-meaning individuals to emulate Fidelity Bank’s gesture.
“I know that there is nothing given to the people that will be enough to meet their needs. Therefore, I urge governments to improve the economy and make life better for Nigerians,” the bishop said.
Also speaking, the Chairman of Awka South Local Government, Mr. Chinedu Okafor, lauded Fidelity Bank for complementing government’s efforts by catering for the less privileged.
Similarly, Rev. Father Levi Uko, Coordinator of the Justice, Development and Peace Commission (JDPC), Awka Diocese, expressed delight in the partnership, stressing that the initiative was timely as hunger continues to affect many families.
One of the beneficiaries, Mrs. Adanma Mbah, thanked Fidelity Bank for the support, describing the food distribution as both impactful and timely. “This food stuff will go a long way in supporting my family,” she said.
