By GRACE ALEGBA

Fidelity Bank Plc has donated equipment to the newly established Gilgal Rehabilitation Community Foundation in Ayobo, Lagos State to enhance mental health development in the area.

Gilgal Rehabilitation Community Foundation is a non-governmental organisation with a clear mission to isolate drug addicts from drug-enabling environments and provide them with the structured support required for recovery.

A statement by the bank on Thursday said the donation was made as part of Fidelity Bank’s Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives.

The CSR was done under the bank’s health and social welfare pillar, which aims to support vulnerable individuals and alleviate hunger and poverty in the community.

Speaking at the official handover, Dr Meksley Nwagboh, Divisional Head, Brand and Communications, Fidelity Bank Plc, emphasised the bank’s dedication to supporting social impact projects that affect the community positively.

Nwagboh said the donation, which included air conditioners and TV sets, was crucial collaboration with the Gilgal Rehabilitation Community Foundation.

“As a bank, we constantly seek opportunities to collaborate with organisations that are committed to making a positive difference in the society. One crucial yet often under-addressed area is mental health.

“At Fidelity Bank, we recognise the profound impact mental well-being has on individuals and communities, hence our support to make Gilgal Rehabilitation facility habitable and functional for the people it serves.

“Beyond the physical structure, the centre requires key amenities to make it a conducive space for healing and recovery.

“Our donation at the facility aligns with the bank’s vision of touching lives, especially for people who are in dire need of restoration to lead fuller and better lives,” he said.

Responding, Reverend Luke Okonkwo, the Presiding Steward of the Gilgal Rehabilitation Community Foundation, thanked Fidelity Bank for helping those battling addiction.

He said drug addicts were “actually people with great destinies but have simply taken a wrong turn”.

According to him, the donation will enable the foundation to secure formal approval from regulatory authorities to include female recovering addicts, orphans, the elderly and more in its scope of work.

“This is more than just a rehab centre; it’s a sanctuary for restoration. We urge other organisations to emulate Fidelity Bank’s gestures to help improve our society”, he added.

Ranked among the best banks in Nigeria, Fidelity Bank Plc has its 255 business offices in Nigeria and United Kingdom subsidiary, FidBank UK Ltd.

The bank is also a recipient of multiple local and international awards. (NAN)