Over 1,500 residents, made up of women, children, widows, and the elderly, have benefited from the one-day feeding programme organised by Fidelity Bank in Osun State.
The food bank project was held at St. Benedict Catholic Church, Osogbo, Osun State, under the bank’s Corporate Social Responsibility Initiative, created to reach out to vulnerable persons and reduce the effect of hunger in society.
Speaking at the distribution event, the Divisional Head of Brand and Communication, Fidelity Bank Plc, Dr Meksley Nwagboh, described the Food Bank Initiative as the bank’s contribution towards helping the less privileged in society.
He said, “Food security is a pressing challenge, and as a socially responsible organisation, we are committed to tackling this issue. We collaborate with various non-governmental organisations to identify communities in dire need and provide much-needed food support.
“There is always a significant turnout of people during our Food Bank outreaches. This programme is held every month, and the distribution of the food packs takes place simultaneously across all regions of the country. Today, we brought over 1,500 packs of food items to be distributed to the people and plan to continue to do more in communities across the country to help those in need.”
Applauding the initiative by Fidelity Bank, Reverend Father Michael Domingo of St. Benedict Catholic Church, Osogbo, said, “It is surprising and commendable that a bank in Nigeria is giving back to the community. We are aware that banks are known for taking, but Fidelity Bank is giving back to the people.
“The Fidelity Food Bank initiative is worthy of emulation, which is why the Catholic Church has a working relationship with the bank. We recognise its uniqueness and appreciate how it helps the community.”
On his part. Reverend Father Joseph Komolafe, the host priest, encouraged affluent individuals to follow Fidelity Bank’s example in combating hunger.
He added, “You don’t have to wait until you have plenty before you give out. Share what you have, no matter how little, for the progress and development of society.”
Fidelity Bank is a commercial bank with over 8.3 million customers serviced across its 251 business offices in Nigeria, and the United Kingdom.