Fidelity Bank treat customers to an unforgettable night of excitement at Eko Hotel

The event which was the bank’s own unique way of expressing its sincere gratitude to all customers for their unwavering loyalty, commitment and patronage held at the prestigious Eko Hotel & Suites in Lagos.

Themed, “Give Them Wings” to underscore its Corporate Social Responsibility initiatives and interventions, the party had in attendance key stakeholders, customers and prospects including public office holders, traditional rulers, regulators and policy makers.

The event, which was compered by television personality, Ebuka Obi-Uchendu and veteran actress Kate Henshaw lived up to its billing as one of the biggest party in corporate Nigeria.

After savoring a 3-course dinner, artistes such as Kcee, Niniola, Timaya, Tim Godfrey and Flavour took guests on a profound musical journey. Ace comedian, Bovi left the audience reeling in laughter with his satirical remarks and rib-cracking jokes.

Kicking off the evening, CEO, Mr Nnamdi Okonkwo reeled out facts about the successes the bank had recorded in the last few years whilst noting that the future remained bright for the bank. “In 32 years, Fidelity Bank has grown from strength to strength and we realised each customer has 38 other choices so we thank you for choosing us.

There was quite a number of highlights from Fidelity’s Customer Appreciation party but one stands out the most. Guests at the event watched a video that documents the inspiring life of Michael Sowunmi. Though physically challenged, Sowunmi goes above and beyond the call of duty to impact the lives of young minds.

The bank brought succor to the Chemical Engineering graduate, who is fondly called “the world’s greatest teacher” on account of his love for teaching. Fidelity Bank offered Mr. Sowunmi employment as a facilitator at the bank’s training academy known as CREST Academy. Okonkwo said the move was consistent with the Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) policy aimed specifically at uplifting the less privileged members of society.

According to him, the theme of the party ‘Give them wings’ was crafted to underscore the bank’s CSR initiatives and interventions. Okonkwo then poured out encomiums on the staff and customers that have kept faith with the bank over the years. Deserving staff received awards for excellent performance in various categories.

Some of the award winners of the evening included: Best in Fidelity Helping Hand Project, (North East), Best Staff in Customer Service (Divisional Head, Operations, Martins Izuogbe) and Field Marshal (Head, Conglomerates, Adebayo Ogunbiyi).

“Sowunmi’s case is not an isolated one we have indeed demonstrated our passion for lifting people several ways as you have seen tonight with the case of Tim Godfrey and DJ Slim V and the Fidelity Youth Empowerment Academy”, he explained.

Chairman of the Board of Directors, Ernest Ebi, also gave lucid insights into the philosophy behind the bank's Youth Empowerment Academy (YEA), which he described as a veritable platform to make beneficiaries financially independent and self-reliant. “Fidelity Bank is making the youths turn their passion into a pay cheque through empowerment programmes which includes training in fashion, make-up, farming, catering and more” he said.

Ebi said that the programme seeks to empower the Nigerian undergraduate with vocational skills and enterprise training which are relevant for self-reliance. YEA had previously held at University of Nigeria, Nsukka; Waziri Umar Federal Polytechnic, Birnin-Kebbi; Federal Polytechnic Oko; Rivers State University of Science and Technology, Port Harcourt, and Bayero University, Kano.

Some of the who is who in Nigeria’s social, business and political circles who attended the event were Africa’s richest man, Aliko Dangote; Oba Saheed Ademola Elegushi; Minister of Transport, Rotimi Amaechi; Deputy Governor of Lagos, Obafemi Hamzat; Deputy Governor of Kano State, Nasiru Gawuna; Deputy Governor of Benue State, Benson Abouno.

Other includes: Popular auto merchant and the Atunwase of Lagos, Dr. Mike Inegbese and wife, Mary; Business tycoon, Anselm Tabansi; Prof Pat Utomi and wife, Ifeoma; John Obayuwana and daughter, Jennifer; Chairman, Air Peace, Allen Onyeama; Lai Oriowo; Group Managing Director, UBA Plc, Phillip Oduoza and wife, Jumai, etc.