Intl' Day Of The Girl Child 2025

Fidelity Bank Celebrates The Girl Child With School Debate

In commemoration of the 2025 International Day of the Girl Child, observed annually on October 11; leading banking institution Fidelity Bank Plc, has reaffirmed its commitment to creating opportunities that empower girls and women to dream boldly, learn confidently as well lead fearlessly.

The International Day of the Girl Child, is a global movement which highlights the challenges girls face, while promoting their empowerment and the fulfillment of their human rights.

Hence as part of its activities to celebrate the Girl Child in Nigeria; Fidelity bank Plc recently put together a schools debate for female secondary school students as part of its activities to celebrate the Girl Child in Nigeria.

The competition which held at the Fidelity SME Hub in Gbagada, Lagos on Thursday, October 16, 2025, 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?”

The Divisional Head, Product Development at Fidelity Bank Plc, Osita Ede, who was 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 emphasised 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.

Adding that when a girl is educated and supported with opportunities for self-expression, she becomes a catalyst for positive change in her community and beyond.

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.

The competition saw Chizaram Ekueme of Awesome College emerge 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 she received N500,000.