More than 1,000 internally displaced persons (IDPs) in Plateau State have received food supplies through the Fidelity Food Bank Initiative, as Fidelity Bank Plc expanded its humanitarian support to communities affected by violence and displacement.

The outreach, held in Mangu Local Government Area in partnership with the Plateau State Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Office and supported by the ABBASID Charity Foundation, provided essential food items including rice, noodles and tomatoes to families living in temporary camps.

The intervention comes as humanitarian agencies continue to warn about rising food insecurity across Nigeria, particularly in communities displaced by conflict, where access to farms and other sources of income has been disrupted.

Why it matters

Thousands of families in Plateau State have been forced from their homes following recurring attacks in recent years, leaving many dependent on humanitarian assistance for survival.

While emergency food support offers immediate relief, development experts say lasting peace, improved security and the restoration of livelihoods will be critical to helping affected communities recover.

Speaking during the distribution exercise, the Divisional Head of Brand and Communications at Fidelity Bank Plc, Dr. Meksley Nwagboh, said the initiative reflects the bank’s commitment to supporting vulnerable Nigerians.

“The Fidelity Food Bank Initiative was conceived as a way of giving sustenance to the society and supporting vulnerable groups across Nigeria. Today, we are delighted to be in Mangu to extend this support to families affected by displacement. We hope this intervention helps nourish households and contribute to reducing the burden of hunger currently affecting them.”

He said the programme has become one of the bank’s flagship corporate social responsibility initiatives, supporting national efforts to reduce hunger and improve the welfare of underserved communities.

State government welcomes partnership

The Project Coordinator of the Plateau State Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), Mrs. Nanbam Danjuma-Lot, described the intervention as timely, saying many displaced families continue to face difficult living conditions.

“Following the attacks and destruction experienced by these communities in recent years, many families continue to face significant hardship. We are pleased to partner with Fidelity Bank and other humanitarian organizations to bring succor to those affected. This reflects our collective commitment to supporting affected persons and helping them rebuild their lives.”

Charity foundation highlights wider impact

Founder of the ABBASID Charity Foundation, Mrs. Hauwa Abbas, said collaboration between private organisations and humanitarian groups is helping extend food assistance to vulnerable communities across Nigeria.

“Our collaboration with Fidelity Bank has enabled us to extend food support to vulnerable communities nationwide. So far, we have reached between 32 and 40 communities across the country, providing much-needed assistance to families affected by hunger and economic hardship.”

Development specialists have repeatedly argued that partnerships between government agencies, businesses and civil society organisations can strengthen humanitarian responses, particularly as economic pressures increase demand for emergency assistance.

Beneficiaries call for lasting peace

Speaking on behalf of the beneficiaries, the Village Head of Changal Community, Mr. Titus Abednago, thanked the partners for providing relief to displaced families.

“This intervention has brought hope and relief to many families. We sincerely thank Fidelity Bank and all stakeholders for remembering our people during these challenging times. We also appeal for continued efforts to restore lasting peace so that our people can return to their farms and rebuild their livelihoods.”

His appeal reflects a wider concern among displaced communities that humanitarian aid, while essential, must be accompanied by improved security and long-term recovery programmes.

What next?

Fidelity Bank says it will continue expanding its Food Bank Initiative as part of its corporate social responsibility programme, supporting vulnerable communities across Nigeria facing hunger, economic hardship and displacement.

Humanitarian experts say sustained collaboration between financial institutions, governments and non-profit organisations will remain vital as many displaced Nigerians continue to require both emergency relief and long-term support.

Nigeria’s leading food and beverage company, Rite Foods Limited, has partnered with the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) to reward seven outstanding undergraduates with a total of ₦35 million for exceptional academic performance during the 2025 admission exercise.

The initiative, which organisers say is designed to promote merit and inspire academic excellence, will see each beneficiary receive ₦5 million at the maiden Academic Excellence Recognition Award Ceremony scheduled for Tuesday, June 30, in Lagos.

The recipients were selected through what JAMB described as a transparent, merit-based process involving candidates who excelled in the 2025 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) as well as their respective Post-UTME or institutional screening exercises.

Announcing the awards, JAMB’s Public Communication Adviser, Dr. Fabian Benjamin, said the programme recognises students who demonstrated exceptional academic ability throughout the admission process.

“The seven beneficiaries will each receive ₦5 million in recognition of their exceptional academic performance. This partnership with Rite Foods reflects our shared commitment to rewarding merit, promoting academic excellence, and inspiring young Nigerians to pursue excellence in their educational journey,” Benjamin said.

Why It Matters

Education stakeholders have repeatedly stressed the importance of rewarding academic achievement as Nigeria seeks to improve learning outcomes and encourage healthy competition among students.

Corporate-backed scholarship and reward initiatives are also increasingly viewed as a way to complement government efforts in supporting talented young Nigerians, particularly amid rising education costs.

Rite Foods: Investing Beyond Consumer Products

Rite Foods said the partnership reflects its commitment to youth development and nation-building beyond its core business operations.

The company’s Head of Corporate Affairs and Sustainability, Ekuma Eze, said recognising excellence helps motivate young Nigerians to pursue their ambitions.

“At Rite Foods, we believe excellence should be celebrated and encouraged. Through this partnership with JAMB, we are proud to reward these exceptional students and reinforce the message that hard work, discipline, and excellence will always be recognised. Beyond producing quality brands, we are committed to creating opportunities that inspire young Nigerians to achieve their full potential,” he said.

Inclusive Recognition

According to the organisers, the seven award recipients represent Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones.

An additional award has been reserved for the highest-performing admitted candidate living with a disability, a move intended to promote inclusion while maintaining a merit-based selection process.

What Happens Next?

The award ceremony is expected to bring together the Minister of Education, JAMB Registrar Prof. Is-haq Oloyede, vice-chancellors, heads of regulatory agencies, education stakeholders, corporate executives, students and members of the media.

Observers say the initiative could encourage more private-sector investment in education while motivating students to strive for academic excellence.

Promasidor Nigeria has donated a borehole and water tower system to the Isolo community in Lagos, in a move aimed at improving access to clean water and strengthening ties with its host community.

The project was officially commissioned on 21 May 2026 at the palace of the Osolo of Isolo Kingdom, His Royal Majesty Oba Isa Abiodun Faronbi-Shekoni, during a ceremony attended by community leaders, palace officials, and senior executives of the company.

The donation forms part of the company’s Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives focused on sustainable community development.

Why the project matters

Access to clean and safe water remains a major challenge in many Nigerian communities, with public health experts repeatedly highlighting the risks associated with unsafe water sources.

According to the United Nations, Sustainable Development Goal 6 seeks to ensure availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all.

Promasidor Nigeria said the initiative aligns with that global goal while addressing practical needs within the Isolo community.

Speaking at the commissioning ceremony, Promasidor Nigeria Chief Executive Officer François Gillet said businesses have a responsibility to contribute to the wellbeing of the communities where they operate.

“At Promasidor Nigeria, our responsibility extends beyond business operations. We believe in building meaningful and lasting relationships with our host communities through mutual respect, trust, and shared progress. This project is another reflection of that commitment and our enduring partnership with the people of Isolo,” Gillet said.

He added that clean water is critical to public health, human dignity, and economic development.

“We sincerely value the warmth and goodwill we have received from the Isolo community and look forward to sustaining this cordial relationship for many years to come,” he added.

Royal palace welcomes intervention

The Osolo of Isolo Kingdom, Oba Isa Abiodun Faronbi-Shekoni, described the project as a timely and impactful intervention for both the palace and surrounding residents.

“We appreciate this laudable gesture from Promasidor Nigeria. This donation will go a long way in serving the needs of the palace and the community. We pray for continued growth and success for the company and its wide range of quality products,” the monarch said.

The event was also attended by Olori Tawakalitu Abike Faronbi-Shekoni and members of the royal cabinet.

Community development and corporate responsibility

Corporate social responsibility projects have increasingly become part of how major companies engage with communities across Nigeria, particularly in areas such as healthcare, education, water access, and youth empowerment.

Industry observers say initiatives like community boreholes can have long-term social and economic impact by reducing water shortages and improving sanitation.

Promasidor Nigeria, known for its food and beverage products, said it remains committed to supporting Nigerians not only through affordable consumer products but also through investments and social impact programmes.

The company noted that its community-focused initiatives are designed to reflect appreciation for the support of host communities while contributing to national development.

What’s next?

Community leaders in Isolo expressed hope that the partnership between Promasidor Nigeria and the kingdom would continue through additional development projects in the future.

Analysts say private-sector investment in local infrastructure may continue to play an important role as communities seek improved access to essential services.