L-R: Sunday Olasupo, Assistant Controller, Ikoyi Correctional Centre; Nwamaka Kalu, Head, Human Resource Business Partnerships and Communication, Fidelity Bank Plc; Sunday Ogundele, Assistant Controller, Ikoyi Correctional Centre; Obiora Mbaekwe, Head, HR Shared Services, Fidelity Bank Plc; Dr Julius Ogueri, Deputy Controller, Ikoyi Correctional Centre; Charles Nwachukwu, Chief Human Resources Officer, Fidelity Bank Plc; and Dr Chidi Nwankwo, Assistant Controller, Ikoyi Correctional Centre; during the Fidelity Helping Hands Programme (FHHP) donation of essential materials to inmates at Ikoyi Correctional Centre in Lagos, recently
Abayomi Susan
Fidelity Bank Plc has reaffirmed its commitment to improving the wellbeing of vulnerable members of society with the donation of essential items to inmates at the Ikoyi Correctional Centre in Lagos.
The initiative, carried out under the bank’s Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) platform, the Fidelity Helping Hands Programme (FHHP), saw members of the bank’s Human Resources (HR) team present household items and gift materials to the management of the correctional facility. The gesture forms part of the bank’s broader efforts to support rehabilitation and social reintegration.
Through the FHHP, employees across Fidelity Bank’s nationwide network identify critical needs within their host communities and voluntarily raise funds to address them. The bank’s management matches the funds contributed by staff and releases the total sum for the execution of selected projects.
Speaking during the presentation, the Chief Human Resources Officer of Fidelity Bank Plc, Mr. Charles Nwachukwu, reiterated the institution’s dedication to restoring hope and transforming lives. He stressed that sustainable progress extends beyond financial performance to include compassion and inclusive community support.
“At Fidelity Bank, we believe everyone deserves a second chance. Our CSR approach is anchored on empathy — standing with communities, uplifting the vulnerable, and creating opportunities for brighter futures. By supporting inmates today, we contribute to their rehabilitation and empower them to reintegrate into society as confident and productive citizens,” he said.
In his response, the Deputy Controller of Corrections at the Ikoyi Custodial Centre, Dr. Julius Ogueri, expressed appreciation for the bank’s support while urging Nigerians to shun cybercrime and avoid stigmatizing former inmates.
Dr. Ogueri highlighted the operational challenges confronting correctional centres nationwide, noting that the Ikoyi facility, originally built to accommodate 800 inmates, currently houses over 3,000. Of this number, 396 are convicted inmates, while 3,604 are awaiting trial.
He underscored the importance of rehabilitation programmes within the facility, citing educational and skills acquisition initiatives. According to him, 72 inmates are currently enrolled with the National Open University of Nigeria, while 120 have benefited from WAEC and GCE support schemes.
Fidelity Bank’s outreach to the Ikoyi Correctional Centre underscores its enduring commitment to impactful community engagement and sustained support for rehabilitation initiatives across Nigeria.
Ranked among Nigeria’s leading financial institutions, Fidelity Bank Plc operates as a full-service Commercial Deposit Money Bank, serving over 9.1 million customers through digital platforms, 255 business offices across Nigeria, and its UK subsidiary, FidBank UK Limited.
The bank has received several local and international recognitions, including the 2024 Excellence in Digital Transformation & MSME Banking Award at the BusinessDay BAFI Awards; the 2024 Most Innovative Mobile Banking Application Award by Global Business Outlook; and the 2024 Most Innovative Investment Banking Service Provider Award by Global Brands Magazine. It was also named Best Bank for SMEs in Nigeria by the Euromoney Awards for Excellence and Export Financing Bank of the Year at the BusinessDay BAFI Awards.
