Residents of Ado-Ekiti in Ekiti State have become the latest beneficiaries of Fidelity Bank Plc’s Food Bank programme, as the financial institution continues its efforts to combat food insecurity and provide relief to underserved Nigerians.

At a recent outreach event in the capital city of Ekiti State, hundreds of food packs were distributed to community members, marking another milestone in Fidelity Bank’s Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) commitment. The food relief initiative is part of the Fidelity Food Bank, a nationwide programme launched in April 2023 that has so far reached more than 300 communities across Nigeria’s six geo-political zones.

Hunger in Nigeria: A Proactive Corporate Response

Speaking during the distribution in Ado-Ekiti, Dr. Meksley Nwagboh, Divisional Head of Brand and Communications at Fidelity Bank Plc, emphasized the urgent need for interventions such as the Food Bank amid Nigeria’s deepening economic challenges.

“The Fidelity Food Bank is our way of responding to the rising levels of hunger in Nigeria. It is a proactive and compassionate CSR effort that has so far reached over 300 communities nationwide. We are proud to extend our coverage to Ado-Ekiti to continue that mission,” Dr. Nwagboh said.

He added that the initiative reflects Fidelity Bank’s enduring commitment to social impact and poverty alleviation.

“We have sustained this initiative for more than two years and it reflects our enduring commitment to addressing poverty and hunger across Nigeria. At Fidelity Bank we will continue to play our part in promoting food security for the unprivileged.”

Faith Leaders and Beneficiaries Commend Fidelity Bank

Community leaders and stakeholders in Ado-Ekiti applauded the initiative. Among them, Reverend Father Benedict Bimbola Joseph, Cathedral Administrator at Saint Patrick Catholic Cathedral, expressed gratitude on behalf of the local community.

“Fidelity Bank has brought much-needed relief to our people in Ado-Ekiti. This is a welcome development and a first of its kind in our community. We hope other corporate organizations will emulate this gesture, as no contribution is too small if it brings relief to people during these trying times,” he said.

Photo caption:
L-R: Church Administrator, St. Patrick Catholic Church, Ado-Ekiti, Reverend Benedict Joseph; The Branch Leader, Fidelity Bank Plc, Ado-Ekiti, Mrs. Ikeolu Akinropo; Team Lead CSR, Fidelity Bank Plc, Victoria Abuka; and Fidelity Food Bank Partner, Reverend Michael Domingo, at the Fidelity Food Bank distribution event held in Ekiti recently.

Also speaking, Reverend Father Michael Domingo, a partner in the Food Bank outreach, highlighted the importance of public-private partnerships in fighting poverty.

“The Bank and its leadership have demonstrated wisdom and compassion by recognizing the urgent need to support government efforts in alleviating poverty, especially now when hunger is a pressing issue. We are truly grateful for this gesture,” he said.

Fidelity Food Bank: A Nationwide Impact

The Fidelity Food Bank has become one of Nigeria’s most far-reaching CSR programmes. In recent months, the Bank has supported thousands of people affected by disasters and conflict. These include over 1,500 flood victims in Mokwa, Niger State, and more than 2,000 displaced persons in Makurdi, Benue State, following the Yelwata attacks. Food items were delivered to Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) at the Ultra-Modern International Market IDP Camp.

These interventions demonstrate Fidelity Bank’s growing footprint in humanitarian support, particularly for vulnerable populations.

Rite Foods Limited has marked World Food Safety Day 2025 by reaffirming its commitment to food quality, hygiene, and consumer well-being.

With this year’s global theme, “Food Safety: Science in Action,” the Nigerian food and beverage giant emphasized the role of science, innovation, and shared responsibility in its food safety practices.

“Food safety is more than a priority for us, it’s a culture we live every day,” said Seleem Adegunwa, Managing Director and CEO of Rite Foods Limited. “From sourcing raw materials to production, packaging, and distribution, we apply global best practices backed by science, innovation, and a team that is passionately committed to excellence.”

To honour the occasion, Rite Foods held a week-long series of internal activities, including:

Sensitization sessions on hygiene

Handwashing demonstrations across shifts

Cross-departmental discussions on food safety

Company-wide pledges written and displayed by employees

A food safety quiz to reinforce staff knowledge

The company also spotlighted its Quality Control team, recognising their behind-the-scenes role in upholding food safety compliance across all product lines.

With certifications such as ISO 22000:2018 and Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP), Rite Foods continues to uphold international standards in product safety. Its popular consumer products include Fearless Energy Drink, Bigi soft drinks, Rite sausages, and Sosa fruit drinks.

As the world marks Food Safety Day, the company pledged to continue embedding science and quality into every stage of its operations.

“This World Food Safety Day and beyond, Rite Foods remains committed to ensuring that science, quality, and a shared sense of responsibility continue to drive progress,” the company stated.

As the curtains closed on the grand finale of the 2025 GTCO Food and Drink Festival, vendors and attendees alike reflected on how the event had not only strengthened their connection to Nigerian culinary identity but opened doors to innovation and global aspirations.

For Moses of Priceless Mocktail, participating in what has become “West Africa’s premier food and drink event” has translated into measurable business growth and exposure.

“This event has helped us connect with many people and different brands,” he said. “Being part of something this big means growth and success for us.”

Another vendor echoed this sentiment, adding that the very act of being selected to participate was validation of their progress.

“Being here means our brand is functioning, growing, and making progress,” the vendor said, noting satisfaction with the festival’s organisation. “There’s honestly nothing I think they need to improve.”

Wealth, a first-time attendee, said the event helped broaden perspectives on Nigerian cuisine.

“I discovered dishes like Masha that I’d never even heard of before. My favorite was the Ofada Rice. These events expose you to how rich our food culture is. Going more local really enhances the experience,” Wealth explained. “Of course, I had to take pictures — food is part of the memory.”

Mrs. Daramola of Ajara Foods, whose brand launched just in January, reported a transformative experience from the digital food business fair segment of the event.

“We were shocked by the attention we got. First-day sales were impressive, and customers even came back the next day. One suggested we introduce a spicier variant of our sheeter product,” she said. “Our premium packaging attracted people, but they asked for smaller pouches that are easier to travel with or send abroad. We’re now planning to introduce that variant in the next one or two months.”

An anonymous attendee praised the energy of the finale and recommended future editions feature international chefs preparing Nigerian meals in masterclasses, saying:

“That would show how globally accepted our cuisine is while spotlighting our ingredients and processes.”

Bolanle, another attendee, emphasized the festival’s power to help reconnect with African roots.

“This festival brings you closer to your Nigerian identity. A lot of the vendors make products that are so original, they’re unique to Nigerian creatives. Events like this should be promoted as food tourism for visitors who want to understand Nigerian culture through taste,” she said.

For Ajing Ntan of Foxenut Cookies, the journey has been one of exponential growth.

“It’s our second year here, and we sold out twice,” she said. “People kept calling our cookies ‘the best thing ever.’ We know we need to scale.”

Beyond customer love, Foxenut Cookies is embracing sustainability in small but meaningful ways.

“We use reusable equipment, paper bags, and minimal plastic in packaging. It’s not perfect yet due to cost, but we’re working on it.”

As Nigeria positions itself more firmly on the global culinary map, the GTCO Food and Drink Festival continues to serve as a nexus of identity, innovation, and aspiration—one dish, one story, and one brand at a time.