Fidelity Bank Rallies Support for Northern Businesses at Kano SME Forum

Kayode Tokede

Fidelity Bank Plc, has reaffirmed its commitment to supporting the growth and sustainability of Small and Medium-scale Enterprises (SMEs) through the Kano edition of its Quarterly Business Forum, which brought together entrepreneurs, business owners, industry stakeholders and customers to explore practical strategies for business growth and resilience.

The forum, themed, “Positioning Northern Businesses for Growth,” provided participants with valuable insights into strengthening business operations, improving access to finance, enhancing financial management and leveraging opportunities that can drive sustainable enterprise development across Northern Nigeria.

Speaking at the event, Executive Director, North, Fidelity Bank, Mr. Sufiyanu Garba, described Northern Nigeria as a critical driver of the country’s economic future and stressed the need to unlock the region’s vast entrepreneurial potential through strategic support and partnerships.

“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.

In her remarks, Divisional Head, SME Banking, Fidelity Bank Plc, Mrs. Ugochi Osinigwe, stated that the Quarterly Business Forum was created as a platform for engaging directly with entrepreneurs and understanding the realities confronting businesses across key sectors of the economy.

“This forum is more than an engagement; it is a listening platform. We are here to deepen our relationships, understand the unique challenges facing businesses across sectors 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 said. 

Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of I.G. Best Company, Mr. Okereke Ignatus Mmbonye, noted that Fidelity Bank’s support for SMEs extends beyond financing.

“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,” he said.