By ISAIAH EKA

The Fidelity Bank PLC has donated a solar-powered water facility to Eyosung Community in Udung Uko Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom. The project was initiated by the bank?s Risk Management Directorate through Fidelity Helping Hands Programme.

Speaking during the project inauguration at Udung Uko, Mr Kelvin Ugwuoke, the Executive Director, Fidelity Bank, said the water facility was part of the bank?s Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives.

Ugwuoke said that the water project was a testament to the bank?s commitment towards improving the welfare of its host communities. Represented by Mrs Kufre Edem, the Regional Head, Ugwuoke said that the water project aligned with the UN Sustainable Development Goals. The executive director said that the project would positively impact on the lives of no fewer than 8,000 persons in the community.

?This project is expected to positively impact 2, 500 students and 25 teachers at the local community school.

?It will also serve the water need of 5,000 individuals, representing 1,000 households. It will reduce their reliance on unsafe water sources and minimise the distance and time spent on fetching water.

?This initiative underscores our bank?s commitment toward combating poverty, reducing diseases, improving access to education and enhancing the quality of life in host communities.

?Our bank has a long-standing tradition of supporting communities through various CSR initiatives.

?For instance, through our Fidelity Food Bank initiative, we have distributed thousands of food packs to vulnerable communities across Nigeria since April 2023.

?Similarly, through the Fidelity Helping Hands Programme, we have successfully renovated school blocks, donated essential items to orphanages, and constructed classrooms and sports facilities,? he said.

In his remarks, Gov. Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom, commended the bank for its kind gesture to the community and the state at large.

Represented by Mr Frank Archibong, the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Eno said that the project was in alliance with his administration?s ARISE agenda.

He urged the community to take full ownership of the project by ensuring good maintenance culture in its usage.

Mr Godwin Okponung, the Chairman, Udung Uko Local Government Council, said the council would take steps to safeguarding the project from vandalism. He also commended Fidelity Bank for the gesture, and urged it to implement more people oriented projects in the area. (NAN)

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