Abayomi Susan
The Chairman of Fidelity Bank Plc, Mrs. Amaka Onwughalu, has been honoured with the prestigious Woman of the Year Award at the 5th edition of the Anambra Man of the Year (AMTY) Awards, in recognition of her remarkable contributions to Nigeria’s banking sector, corporate governance, leadership development and societal advancement.
The award presentation, held at the Stanel Dome Conference Centre, Awka, Anambra State, attracted prominent business leaders, academics, industry captains and public figures who gathered to celebrate individuals and organisations making significant impacts across business, governance, education, public service and community development.
The event was chaired by Prof. Joe Ezigbo, Founder of Falcon Corporation, while the Vice Chancellor of Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Prof. Bond Anyaehie, delivered the keynote address titled: “Unstoppable Anambra, Leveraging Human Capital for Global Impact.”
Mrs. Onwughalu, who assumed office as Chairman of the Board of Fidelity Bank Plc on January 1, 2026, joined the bank’s Board in December 2020. She brings over three decades of experience in the financial services industry, having held several strategic leadership positions, including Group Managing Director of Mainstreet Bank Limited and Deputy Managing Director of Skye Bank Plc.
Receiving the award, Mrs. Onwughalu described the recognition as a deeply significant honour, noting that it reflects the values of integrity, resilience, service and excellence that have guided her professional journey.
She said: “I have been privileged to receive several honours over the course of my career. However, being recognised by my home state makes this award especially meaningful. It reminds me of the values that have guided my journey — integrity, resilience, service and excellence.”
The Fidelity Bank Chairman dedicated the honour to her mentors, colleagues, teams and institutions that have contributed to her career success, stressing that effective leadership thrives on trust, collaboration and shared responsibility.
Expressing gratitude to the Board, management and staff of Fidelity Bank Plc, she said it was a privilege to lead a financial institution committed to strong corporate governance, customer satisfaction and sustainable growth.
Mrs. Onwughalu further expressed optimism that the recognition would encourage more young people, particularly women, to pursue their aspirations with determination, confidence and discipline.
Other distinguished recipients at the ceremony included High Chief Anthony Ikenna Obele, Chairman of Mekens Integrated Nigeria Ltd, who was honoured as Business Icon of the Year, and Most Rev. Dr. Valerian Maduka Okeke, Metropolitan Archbishop of Onitsha, who received the Person of the Decade Award.
Other award winners were Dr. Chioma Irene Awuzie, Rector of Federal Polytechnic, Oko, who emerged Public Servant of the Year; Prof. Stella Okunna, who received the Lifetime Achievement Award; Joy Egolum, Corporate Affairs Manager, East, Nigerian Breweries Plc, honoured as Corporate Leader of the Year; and Chinyere Moneme, SAN, named Inspiring Woman of the Year.
Speaking at the event, Prof. Ezigbo described the AMTY Awards as a platform that recognises excellence, character and impactful service, noting that celebrating achievers while they are alive encourages them to continue contributing positively to society and inspires others to emulate their examples.
