In a bid to promote literacy and empower Nigerian youth through quality education, Fidelity Bank Plc, a prominent financial institution, has introduced a creative writing competition for secondary school students known as Read2Lead, as part of its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives.

Themed Read2Lead, this three-stage competition aims to foster the development of reading and writing skills among secondary school students, offering them the opportunity to compete for substantial cash rewards, a book publishing deal, and the chance to have their school library renovated by the bank.

The competition’s grand prize winner will receive N2 million in cash, a book publishing deal worth N2 million, and an additional N2 million to upgrade their school’s library. The first runner-up will be awarded a N1.5 million cash prize, while the second runner-up will receive N1 million.

The first stage, labeled “The National Writing Showdown,” invites participants from across Nigeria to vie for a spot among the top 150 writers through a creative writing task. Successful students will progress to the second stage, named “The Sweeta Writing Mastery,” where they will be challenged to craft an alternate ending for a selected book. The third and final stage, “The Author’s Workshop,” will feature an immersive writing boot camp for the top 30 participants, led by experienced writers and facilitators who will also select the top three finalists.

Parents or guardians interested in enrolling their children or wards in this initiative can visit www.fidelitybank.ng/readtolead. The registration period is open until January 31, 2024.

Fidelity Bank’s Read2Lead initiative demonstrates the institution’s commitment to fostering literacy, creativity, and educational excellence among the younger generation, contributing to the overall development of the nation.