Popular CNN Anchor, Richard Quest, has paid a courtesy visit on the Management of Fidelity Bank Plc. Talk between both parties centred on several issues including SME lending, an aspect  in which Fidelity Bank has over the years maintained a clear lead in Nigeria.

They also discussed issues related to how the bank could leverage digital channels to deepen financial inclusion in Nigeria.

Quest was particularly impressed with Fidelity Bank’s continued support for Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) which has endeared the bank to small business owners across the country.

Fidelity Bank has been outstanding in its support for small businesses. At the twilight of last year, the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) commended Fidelity Bank Plc for its support to the growth of MSMEs in the country.

Its President, Mr Babatunde Ruwase, made the commendation at the Fidelity Bank’s Day at the 2019 Lagos International Trade Fair.

Ruwase said it was empirically established that the Nigerian economy was loaded with opportunities for growth and development with MSMEs as the catalyst.

He said: “The National Survey of MSMEs 2017 reports put the total number of MSMEs in Nigeria at 41,543, 028.

“With MSMEs globally recognised as engines of socio-economic transformation in both developing and developed countries, it is clear that connecting these MSMEs can unleash the potential of the economy to create value, drive jobs and stimulate wealth creation whilst redistributing income.”

According to him, the fair is an opportunity for the MSMEs to showcase their products and services to the world with the support of Fidelity Bank and other financial institutions to move to the next level.

Contributing, Mr Nnamdi Okonkwo, Managing Director, Fidelity Bank, said the fair had continued to provide an avenue for various trade groups and professionals to tap into the myriads of business opportunities that exist.

Okonkwo, represented by Mr Obaro Odeghe, Executive Director, Corporate Banking, Fidelity Bank, said the bank had continued to thrive in spite of the harsh business environment.

“Fidelity Bank’s success story is anchored on improved service quality, innovative products and services tailored to meet the varying needs of our numerous customers which is beyond generic financial intermediation.

“Our efforts aimed at aiding the diversification of the country’s monolithic economy has been celebrated world over.

“Interestingly, we have continued to channel significant human and financial resources into the real sector, particularly in the area of can manufacturing, food and beverages and Independent Power Projects,” he said.