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Delta State First Lady and Founder of the You Matter Charity Foundation, Deaconess Tobore Oborevwori, on Tuesday empowered 500 market women across the state with cash grants, sewing machines and grinding machines in partnership with Fidelity Bank Plc.

The empowerment programme, held at the Unity Hall, Government House, Asaba, was organised by Fidelity Bank in collaboration with the You Matter Charity Foundation under the bank’s Corporate Social Responsibility initiative, “Give Her Power.”

Speaking at the event, Deaconess Oborevwori described the initiative as a life-changing intervention aimed at restoring hope, strengthening families and promoting economic inclusion for women across Delta State.

She said the programme went beyond the distribution of items and financial support, stressing that it was focused on transforming lives and building stronger communities through women empowerment.

“Today, we are here to witness the generosity of Fidelity Bank Plc as they put smiles on the faces of 500 women through its collaboration with the You Matter Charity Foundation. This event is not only about distribution; it is about transformation, restoring hope, strengthening families, and building a more inclusive and prosperous society, one woman at a time,” she said.

The First Lady noted that women remain the backbone of society, adding that empowering women would ultimately translate into stronger families and thriving communities.

She commended Fidelity Bank for investing in women and community development, saying the partnership demonstrated the impact that could be achieved when corporate organisations align with meaningful social causes.

According to her, 400 beneficiaries received cash grants amounting to N20 million, while 50 women got grinding machines and another 50 received sewing machines to support and expand their businesses.

Deaconess Oborevwori further announced an additional N20 million contribution from the You Matter Charity Foundation, increasing the cash support for each of the 400 women from N50,000 to N100,000.

She urged the beneficiaries to make prudent use of the resources to grow their businesses, support their families and contribute positively to their communities.

The First Lady also reaffirmed her commitment to advancing women’s economic empowerment and social inclusion, while calling on other corporate organisations to emulate Fidelity Bank’s intervention.

Earlier, the Executive Director, South, Fidelity Bank Plc, Pamela Shodipo, said the initiative underscored the bank’s commitment to community development through its Fidelity Helping Hands Programme.

She explained that the programme serves as a Corporate Social Responsibility platform through which staff of the bank across different branches identify and support impactful community projects.

Shodipo disclosed that Fidelity Bank donated N20 million to the You Matter Charity Foundation for the empowerment programme, noting that investing in women creates positive ripple effects for families, businesses and society at large.

She commended the Delta State First Lady for partnering with the bank and ensuring that the support reached deserving beneficiaries.

Also speaking, the Regional Bank Head, Augusta Anyanwu-Egbom, advised the women to cultivate good saving habits, improve customer relations and enhance product packaging to build sustainable businesses.

Responding on behalf of the beneficiaries, Mrs Joy Osegbuwa expressed appreciation to Deaconess Oborevwori and Fidelity Bank for the initiative, describing the support as timely and impactful for market women across the state.