Fidelity Bank Rallies Support for Northern Businesses at Kano SME Forum

Fidelity Bank Rallies Support for Northern Businesses at Kano SME Forum
By prince Benson Davies
L-R: Executive Director, North, Fidelity Bank Plc, Mr. Sufiyanu Garba; Managing Director/CEO, I.G. Best Company, Mr. Okereke Ignatus Mmbonye; and Divisional Head, SME Banking, Fidelity Bank Plc, Mrs. Ugochi Osinigwe, at the Fidelity Bank Quarterly Business Forum held in Kano recently.

Leading financial institution, Fidelity Bank Plc, has reaffirmed its commitment to the growth and sustainability of Small and Medium-scale Enterprises (SMEs) with the Kano edition of its Quarterly Business Forum.

The event brought together entrepreneurs, business owners, industry stakeholders and customers to explore practical strategies for business growth and resilience.
Focus: Positioning Northern Businesses for Growth*
Held under the theme “Positioning Northern Businesses for Growth”, the forum provided insights on strengthening business operations, improving access to finance, enhancing financial management, and leveraging opportunities for sustainable enterprise development across Northern Nigeria.

Speaking at the event, Executive Director, North, Fidelity Bank Plc, Mr. Sufiyanu Garba, described the North as a critical driver of Nigeria’s economic future.

“The North occupies a critical place in Nigeria’s economic future. With its vast agricultural resources, strong trading culture, manufacturing capacity and large consumer market, the region has enormous potential for sustainable economic growth. Fidelity Bank remains committed to helping businesses unlock this potential through financing, market access, advisory support and strategic partnerships,” he said.

Garba added that the forum reflects the Bank’s ambition to go beyond providing funds.
“We want to be a trusted partner that understands businesses and provides the financing, knowledge, connections and solutions they need to grow. Kano and the wider North have the talent, enterprise and resources to play a leading role in Nigeria’s economic future, and Fidelity Bank is committed to supporting that growth,” he emphasizes. Beyond Banking: Training and Support*
Divisional Head, SME Banking, Mrs. Ugochi Osinigwe, said the forum was designed as a “listening platform” to understand the realities facing entrepreneurs.

“This forum is more than an engagement. We are here to deepen our relationships and hear directly from entrepreneurs on how we can serve them better. Our commitment goes beyond traditional banking, as we continue to provide products, advisory services and partnerships that help businesses build, scale and thrive,” she stated.

She highlighted the Bank’s initiatives to reduce the cost of doing business, including zero-maintenance-fee accounts and free capacity-building programmes in business structuring, record keeping, financial management and access to finance.

“We invest significantly in training because many SMEs struggle due to limited knowledge of essential business practices. Through our physical and digital learning platforms, we help entrepreneurs become more structured, sustainable and bankable,” she noted.

#### Stakeholders Commend Bank
Participants commended Fidelity Bank for creating a platform that delivers practical insights.

Mr. Okereke Ignatus Mmbonye, MD/CEO, I.G. Best Company, said: “Fidelity Bank has demonstrated that its commitment to SMEs goes beyond access to credit. Platforms such as this provide valuable knowledge and connections that can make a real difference to growing businesses.”

Mr. Sufiyanu Salisu Ahmad, MD, Nabila Oil Mills, also praised the Bank: “It is encouraging to see a bank take such a practical approach to supporting businesses.”