Fidelity Bank Plc, a leading financial institution, recently hosted a debate competition for female secondary school students as part of its activities to mark the 2025 International Day of the Girl Child.
Held at the Fidelity SME Hub in Gbagada, Lagos on Thursday, 16 October 2025, the She Leads Debate Competition brought together students from six secondary schools to argue for or against the topic: “In today’s world, is digital literacy more essential for girls than traditional life skills?”
Welcoming participants, the Divisional Head, Product Development at Fidelity Bank Plc, Osita Ede, represented by the Head of Women Banking, Harriba Harry-Pepple, emphasized the importance of equipping girls with relevant skills and support to help them thrive as adults.
“Each year, this day reminds us of the limitless potential within every girl, potential that must be nurtured, celebrated and given a platform to shine. Through HerFidelity, our Women Banking Initiative, we are committed to creating opportunities that empower girls and women to dream boldly, learn confidently and lead fearlessly,” Ede said.
He added that the debate was not merely a contest but a platform for young female voices to express their ideas, challenge societal norms and showcase their intellectual strength. “When a girl is educated and supported with opportunities for self-expression, she becomes a catalyst for positive change in her community and beyond.”
Following a spirited debate session, Chizaram Ekueme of Awesome College emerged the second runner-up, receiving N150,000. Nwatu Chidera of Brookstones and Best Brains International School took the first runner-up position with a prize of N300,000, while Chizaram Unachukwu of Cedec International School won the competition and received N500,000.
The International Day of the Girl Child, observed annually on October 11, is a global movement that highlights the unique challenges girls face and promotes their empowerment and the fulfillment of their human rights.
Fidelity Bank Plc is a full-fledged commercial bank with over 9.1 million customers who are serviced across its 251 business offices and various digital banking channels in Nigeria and the United Kingdom.
The Bank is the recipient of multiple local and international Awards, including the 2024 Excellence in Digital Transformation & MSME Banking Award by BusinessDay Banks and Financial Institutions (BAFI) Awards; the 2024 Most Innovative Mobile Banking Application award for its Fidelity Mobile App by Global Business Outlook, and the 2024 Most Innovative Investment Banking Service Provider award by Global Brands Magazine. Additionally, the Bank was recognized as the Best Bank for SMEs in Nigeria by the Euromoney Awards for Excellence and as the Export Financing Bank of the Year by the BusinessDay Banks and Financial Institutions (BAFI) Awards.
L – R: Second runner-up, Chizaram Ekueme of Awesome College; Head, Brand Management, Fidelity Bank Plc, Cynthia Ogbonna; Winner, Chizaram Unachukwu of Cedec International School; Broadcaster and Communications Expert, Wemimo Adewuni; First runner-up, Nwatu Chidera of Brookstones and Best Brains International School; and Head, Women Banking, Fidelity Bank Plc, Harriba Harry-Pepple; at the maiden edition of the Fidelity Bank She Leads debate competition held in commemoration of the 2025 International Day of the Girl Child in Lagos recently.
