Emma Elekwa
Fidelity Bank PLC on Thursday handed over renovated administrative block worth over N25 million to Community Secondary School, Enugwuabo Ufuma, Orumba North Local Government Area of Anambra State
Speaking during the commissioning of the block together with two other projects in the school, Commissioner of Education, Prof Ngozi Chuma-Udeh said the school was earlier placed on emergency list following its deplorable condition during her last visit.
She thanked the bank for its intervention which she described as demonstration of true meaning of Cooperate Social Responsibility of touching lives.
She also revealed that the school would be upgraded to smart school having been captured among the next set of schools for upgrade.
Appreciating other stakeholders who contributed to the uplift of the school, the Commissioner assured government’s continued support, just as she promised donations of books and desks to the students.
Earlier, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Fidelity Bank Plc, Dr. Nneka Onyeali-Ikpe said the project aligned with two of the bank’s major Corporate Social Responsibility pillars of quality education and youth empowerment.
Premium on education
Onyeali-Ikpe, represented by Regional Bank Head, Awka, Dr. Nosa Orumwense stressed the importance the organization attached to education, describing it as one of the most powerful tools for national transformation.
She said, “For us at Fidelity Bank, this project represents more than a building.
“It represents opportunity, progress and a shared commitment to building a better future for our youth here in Enugwuabo Ufuma and beyond.
“This event is particularly significant for our bank because it is taking place during our season of thanksgiving.
“Every year we set aside time to acknowledge the goodness of God, to recognise the Lord’s favour upon our institution and to appreciate the customers and stakeholders who supported us throughout the previous year.
“As we thank God for His grace over our operations in 2025 and over the lives of our customers and partners, it is only fitting that we also make investments that uplift communities and strengthen the foundations of society.
“Our Corporate Social Responsibility framework guides us toward sustainable interventions that create real impact.
Pursing bank’s CSR
“This project aligns with two of our major CSR pillars, which are Quality Education and Youth Empowerment.
“By supporting the educational infrastructure of this community, we are giving students and teachers an environment that encourages learning, discipline and pride.
“This investment adds to our ongoing efforts in the education sector, including school renovations, digital learning initiatives, scholarship programmes and capacity development interventions for school administrators in different parts of the country.
“At Fidelity Bank, we believe that education remains one of the most powerful tools for national transformation.
“When a child gains access to knowledge, confidence and guidance, the entire community becomes stronger. When a school receives the right support, the future becomes brighter for generations to come.
“This motivates us to continue partnering with communities such as Enugwuabo Ufuma to create lasting positive change.
Commendations
Appreciating leaders of the Enugwuabo Oganiru Union for their vision and collaboration, Onyeali-Ikpe also applauded Commissioner for Education for supporting the project and for her ministry’s dedication to improving learning outcomes in the State.
“I also thank the school leadership and the people of this community for welcoming us warmly and for staying committed to the growth of this institution.
“Most importantly, I thank our customers whose loyalty makes it possible for us to carry out projects like this.
“As we celebrate our season of thanksgiving, we are reminded that service to humanity is one of the most meaningful ways to show gratitude.
“We are confident that this administrative block will support effective school management, create better learning conditions and inspire students to aim higher.
“We look forward to continuing our partnership with the community and to seeing the great achievements that will emerge from this school.
“Thank you for giving us the opportunity to contribute to the development of Enugwuabo Ufuma.
“May this building serve the community for many years to come,” she added.
Also speaking, Principal of the school, Mrs Anikpe Nkoli described the event as milestone in the life of the school, just as she expressed gratitude to the bank and other benefactors for their benevolence.
She however highlighted some of the pressing needs of the school to include lack of science equipment, non-functional school bus, inadequate staff quarters, completion of perimeter fencing, ICT unit, among others.
President General of the community, Willie Okafor thanked an illustrious son of the town, Raymond Obieri for attracting the bank for the admin block uplift, as well as Enugwuabo indigenes in diaspora for renovating chemistry, physics and biology laboratories.
