PINL Disburses N750m to Empower 3,000 Women in Niger Delta Communities

Delta State First Lady, Tobore Oborevwori, in partnership with Fidelity Bank Plc, has empowered 500 market women across the state with cash grants, sewing machines, and grinding machines to support their businesses and improve economic inclusion.

The empowerment programme, held in Asaba on Tuesday, was organised by Fidelity Bank in collaboration with the You Matter Charity Foundation under the bank’s Corporate Social Responsibility initiative tagged “Give Her Power.”

Under the initiative, 400 beneficiaries received cash grants totaling N20 million, while 50 women received grinding machines and another 50 beneficiaries were presented with sewing machines to strengthen their businesses.

Speaking during the event, Oborevwori, founder of the You Matter Charity Foundation, announced an additional N20 million contribution from her foundation, increasing the cash support for each of the 400 women from N50,000 to N100,000.

She described the programme as a transformative initiative aimed at restoring hope, strengthening families, and promoting women’s economic empowerment across Delta State.

According to her, empowering women contributes directly to stronger families, thriving businesses, and more prosperous communities.

The Delta First Lady commended Fidelity Bank for investing in women and community development, noting that the collaboration demonstrates the impact that can be achieved when private organisations partner with social development initiatives.

She urged beneficiaries to make productive use of the resources to expand their businesses, support their households, and contribute positively to their communities.

Oborevwori also reaffirmed her commitment to advancing women’s economic inclusion while encouraging other corporate organisations to emulate Fidelity Bank’s support for grassroots empowerment.

Executive Director, South, Fidelity Bank, Pamela Shodipo, said the initiative reflects the bank’s dedication to community development through its Fidelity Helping Hands Programme.

According to her, the programme serves as a Corporate Social Responsibility platform through which Fidelity Bank staff identify and support impactful projects within their communities.

She disclosed that the bank donated N20 million to the You Matter Charity Foundation to support the initiative, adding that empowering women creates positive ripple effects for families, businesses, and society.

Regional Bank Head at Fidelity Bank, Augusta Anyanwu-Egbom, advised beneficiaries to cultivate good saving habits, improve customer service, and enhance product packaging to build sustainable businesses.

One of the beneficiaries, Joy Osegbuwa, expressed appreciation to the Delta State First Lady and Fidelity Bank, describing the support as timely and impactful for market women across the state.