In a powerful demonstration of how innovation can transform lives, Fidelity Bank Plc has launched a bold new initiative aimed at lighting the path to a brighter future for Nigeria’s children. The bank, under its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) program, donated 1,000 solar-powered school bags to public primary school pupils across Ogun State as part of its new “Lighting Young Minds” initiative.
Unveiled during a special ceremony in Abeokuta, the state capital, the solar-powered school bags serve a dual purpose: carrying school materials by day, and providing clean, renewable light by night. For many children in underserved communities where electricity remains a luxury, this simple yet powerful innovation could mean the difference between struggling in darkness and studying with confidence.
Dr. Nneka Onyeali-Ikpe, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Fidelity Bank, spoke passionately at the event about the bank’s mission to break down systemic barriers to education.
“At Fidelity Bank, we see education not just as knowledge transfer, but as a transformative force – a bridge to opportunity,” she said. “Through the SWEETA initiative, we aim to ensure children can learn safely at home, even in areas without electricity. No child should have to risk their safety using candles or kerosene lamps to study.”
The solar-powered bags are equipped with small solar panels that charge during the day, providing hours of light in the evening. Beyond supporting homework and reading, they symbolize hope – and the bank’s belief in the potential of every Nigerian child.
The initiative was launched in partnership with Ogun State’s leadership and was warmly endorsed by Her Excellency, Mrs. Bamidele Abiodun, the First Lady of the State, who described it as “a timely and crucial intervention.”
“This project tackles one of the most pressing challenges in education for our rural communities – access to light,” she noted. “It is a shining example of how the private sector can create deep social impact with thoughtful innovation.”
Mrs. Abiodun also applauded the bank’s alignment with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 4, which calls for inclusive, equitable, and quality education for all.
Beyond the solar bag donation, Dr. Onyeali-Ikpe highlighted several other education-focused programs led by Fidelity Bank. These include the SWEETA School Fees Support Initiative, which has disbursed over ₦8 billion in tuition assistance, and the Read2Lead Writing Competition, which has inspired over 3,000 students nationwide through creative engagement and scholarships.
Fidelity Bank also supports parents with back-to-school loans and helps schools enhance their infrastructure through the Fidelity EduLoan. The bank’s Green Energy Financing Program further emphasizes its commitment to sustainable solutions, complementing the solar-powered bag initiative with broader access to renewable energy for educational institutions.
With the Lighting Young Minds project, Fidelity Bank reinforces its role as not only a financial institution but also a catalyst for change. The bags will be distributed across all 20 local government areas in Ogun State, ensuring broad and inclusive impact.
Ranked among Nigeria’s leading banks, Fidelity Bank Plc serves more than 10 million customers through its digital platforms and 255 branches, along with a subsidiary in the United Kingdom. The Lighting Young Minds initiative exemplifies the bank’s continued efforts to empower the next generation through sustainable, forward-thinking educational support.
As Nigeria’s children return to school, they do so with more than just new bags on their backs — they carry with them the light of possibility, powered by a bank that believes in their future.