Fidelity Bank Marks Children’s Day with Launch of Read2Lead Anthology and Scholarship Awards

Fidelity Bank Plc celebrated this year’s Children’s Day with an inspiring event focused on promoting literacy, creativity, and educational empowerment among Nigerian youth. Held at the bank’s Fidelity Grounds in Oniru, Lagos, the event brought together hundreds of students, parents, educators, and bank officials in a joyful and engaging atmosphere themed “The Fidelity Fantasyland 3.0.” Central to the celebration was the launch of the Read2Lead Anthology, a collection of essays by young Nigerians, alongside the awarding of scholarships to outstanding pupils. These initiatives underline Fidelity Bank’s sustained commitment to nurturing the next generation through education and creative expression.

The Read2Lead Anthology is a compilation of superhero-themed stories penned by over 3,000 students from various parts of Nigeria who participated in the bank’s flagship literacy program. The theme, “Naija Superheroes,” inspired children to explore their imagination and creativity, crafting stories that celebrate courage, resilience, and positive values rooted in Nigerian culture. By encouraging young people to read, write, and think creatively, the program seeks to build literacy skills that are essential for academic success and lifelong learning.

At the event, Fidelity Bank’s Managing Director and CEO, Dr. Nneka Onyeali-Ikpe, expressed pride in the remarkable talent and enthusiasm shown by the young participants. She described the anthology as “a powerful testament to the promise of Nigeria’s next generation” and emphasized the bank’s role in providing books, writing materials, and platforms for children to showcase their literary abilities. Dr. Onyeali-Ikpe stressed that initiatives like Read2Lead help young Nigerians develop the confidence and skills needed to become leaders and innovators in the future.

Beyond the anthology launch, Fidelity Bank took the opportunity to reward academic excellence through scholarship awards. Four pupils—Thiago Chukwudubem Agada, Nabeela Nia Rufai, Victory Alize Chukwuebuka, and Osinachi Olivia Onyeaghala—each received scholarships worth ₦150,000. These awards were granted through the Fidelity Savings Loyalty Scheme (FSLS), which incentivizes savings and academic achievement among young Nigerians. The scholarships aim to ease the financial burden of education for deserving students and inspire others to pursue academic excellence.

The Children’s Day event was vibrant and filled with fun activities designed to engage and delight the children. Attendees enjoyed dancing competitions, face painting, arcade games, and singing contests, creating an environment that combined learning with enjoyment. Such activities help to foster social skills, creativity, and confidence among participants, further supporting their holistic development.

The bank’s efforts to celebrate Children’s Day in this manner reflect a growing recognition of the importance of investing in Nigeria’s youth. Education and literacy remain critical challenges in the country, with many children facing barriers such as inadequate learning resources, limited access to quality schools, and socio-economic constraints. Through programs like Read2Lead and scholarship awards, Fidelity Bank is contributing to closing these gaps by providing tangible support that empowers children and their families.

Moreover, the Read2Lead initiative goes beyond promoting basic literacy. It encourages children to express themselves through storytelling, helping them to develop critical thinking and communication skills. These are vital competencies in today’s knowledge-based economy and will equip young Nigerians to compete globally. The anthology itself serves as a source of inspiration and pride, showcasing the diverse voices and talents of the nation’s children.

Fidelity Bank’s role in championing children’s education is part of its broader corporate social responsibility (CSR) strategy, which focuses on sustainable development and community empowerment. The bank has a history of supporting education, health, and entrepreneurship programs that align with national development goals. By investing in children’s futures, Fidelity Bank is helping to build a foundation for long-term economic growth and social progress.

The success of the Children’s Day event and the Read2Lead program also highlights the power of partnerships. The bank works closely with schools, parents, educators, and community leaders to identify talented students and provide them with opportunities to excel. This collaborative approach ensures that initiatives reach those who need them most and create lasting impact.

Looking ahead, Fidelity Bank plans to expand the Read2Lead program to reach more children across Nigeria, including rural and underserved communities. The bank is exploring ways to incorporate digital literacy components and leverage technology to enhance learning experiences. Such innovations will help bridge educational divides and prepare children for the challenges and opportunities of the 21st century.

 

In conclusion, Fidelity Bank’s celebration of Children’s Day through the launch of the Read2Lead Anthology and scholarship awards represents a meaningful investment in Nigeria’s youth. By fostering literacy, creativity, and academic achievement, the bank is empowering young Nigerians to realize their full potential and contribute positively to society. These efforts not only enrich the lives of individual children but also strengthen the social fabric and future prospects of the entire nation. As Nigeria continues to strive for sustainable development, initiatives like Fidelity Bank’s provide hope and inspiration for a brighter tomorrow.