Taraba Governor, Suntai, Commends Fidelity Bank on CSR!

Taraba State Governor Alhaji Danbaba Danfulani Suntai has described Fidelity Helping Hands Programme (FHHP), the bank’s Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) practice, as a viable tool in mitigating the social inequalities in the country. Governor Suntai made the assertion in Jalingo at the weekend while commissioning the Jalingo Blind Workshop which was renovated by Fidelity Bank and its staff of Jalingo branch. Speaking through Alhaji Hussain Modibbo, Permanent Secretary in the state’s Ministry of Social Welfare, Youth and Sport, Governor Suntai said that such gestures are rare especially among organizations whose operations are supposedly driven by commercial considerations. “Reviving this legacy institution is a noble act. For staff of Fidelity Bank to take time out, take notice of a need such as this and raise funds themselves to meet this need is remarkable indeed.” Gov Suntai said. He thanked the Board, Management and Staff of Fidelity Bank for coming to the aid of the needy in the society and promised that the Government would take proper care of the Centre. Governor Suntai also promised to staff and equip the Centre which was built in 1976 by the then Gongola State Government to train blind students in arts and crafts. Alluding to the state of the Center before it was run down primarily by neglect by past administrations, Hon. Aminu Umar Jalingo, member representing Jalingo 11, Taraba State House of Assembly, said that the Workshop was more of a Centre of Excellence about 36 years ago when it was established. He recalled with nostalgia the men who had lived and worked there to provide and fend for their families and said that Fidelity Bank’s involvement has again given the inmates hope that the future is bright. “Everyone at the time knew of this place. The men who learned here made carpets and were very much respected in the community despite their physical challenges. It brings many memories to me just standing here. I am speaking not just as a member of the House of Assembly but also as a member of this community who once played and grew around here. Indeed this gives hope that the Workshop will once again thrive”. In his own remark Aliyu Mohammad Gados, President Association of Blind Jalingo, Association commended Fidelity Bank for its culture of giving and thanked all staff who had made donations to the project. Responding, Halilu Malabu, Regional Manager North East, Fidelity Bank Plc, who represented the Managing Director, expressed happiness that the bank has been able to touch positively the lives of the people of the Jalingo community.  He pointed out that the Jalingo project was in line with the determination of the bank to support the needy in every environment where the bank does business. He also stressed that part of the vision of the Fidelity Helping Hands Programme was grooming a crop of socially responsible young men and women within the ranks of the Bank. The Blind Workshop was built in 1976 with the aim to empower blind male members of the society to feed and fend for their families.