…Celebrates a Decade of Transformative Leadership in African Finance
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| L -R: Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Dr. Jumoke Oduwole; the outgoing President and Chairman of the African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank), Professor Benedict Okechukwu Oramah; his wife, Mrs. Chinelo Oramah; Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu; Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Fidelity Bank Plc, Dr. Nneka Onyeali-Ikpe; Minister of State for Finance, Dr. Doris Nkiruka Uzoka-Anite; and Minister of Art, Culture, Tourism and Creative Economy, Ms. Hannatu Musawa; at a black-tie dinner hosted by Fidelity Bank to celebrate the retirement of Prof. Oramah in Lagos recently. |
Fidelity Bank Plc recently hosted a grand black-tie gala in honour of Professor Benedict Okechukwu Oramah, outgoing President and Chairman of the African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank), celebrating his decade-long tenure marked by visionary leadership and commitment to Africa’s economic transformation.
Held at the Lagos Continental Hotel on Thursday, October 2, 2025, the event, themed “Celebrating a Titan,” brought together an array of dignitaries, captains of industry, and international guests to pay tribute to one of Africa’s most influential financial figures.
In her welcome remarks, Dr. Nneka Onyeali-Ikpe, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Fidelity Bank Plc, described Prof. Oramah as “a towering figure in Africa’s economic renaissance.” She commended his decade of impact-driven leadership, noting that “from Cairo to Kigali, Lagos to Lusaka, his influence has touched lives, empowered businesses, and strengthened the very fabric of African integration.”
Dr. Onyeali-Ikpe also praised Prof. Oramah’s foresight in championing key initiatives such as the Pan-African Payment and Settlement System (PAPSS) and his relentless advocacy for intra-African trade and creative industry growth.
Notable guests included Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu; Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun; Minister of Art, Culture, Tourism and Creative Economy, Ms. Hannatu Musawa; Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Dr. Jumoke Oduwole; and Minister of State for Finance, Dr. Doris Nkiruka Uzoka-Anite.
Special recognition was given to Mrs. Chinelo Oramah, lauded for her steadfast support throughout her husband’s career. “Her dedication to maintaining the home front has been pivotal,” Dr. Onyeali-Ikpe remarked.
Tributes flowed throughout the evening, with Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Mr. Simon Tiemtore (Chairman, Vista Group Holding), and Mr. Mustafa Chike-Obi (Chairman, Fidelity Bank Plc) among those who praised Prof. Oramah’s contributions. Mr. Chike-Obi described him as “the most consequential African person in the last 10 years.”
In his response, Prof. Oramah expressed heartfelt gratitude to Fidelity Bank and the event’s organizers, saying: “It is not always that when a leader of an institution gets to the twilight of his tenure that those he works with deem it important to say we appreciate you. I really cherish this event. On behalf of my family, my wife, and the Afreximbank family, I say thank you.”
Reflecting on the long-standing partnership between Afreximbank and Fidelity Bank, he noted: “Our relationship with Fidelity Bank dates back to the 1990s and has grown stronger over the years. Fidelity Bank remains one of our trusted partners in Nigeria. Under Dr. Nneka’s leadership, the bank’s transformation has made us proud, and we look forward to deepening our partnership.”
The glamorous evening was co-anchored by broadcast journalist Ojinika ‘Ojy’ Okpe and comedian and actor Okechukwu Anthony Onyegbule (Okey Bakassi), while highlife artist Flavour N’abania delivered a captivating musical performance to close the night.
The celebration served not only as a tribute to Prof. Oramah’s achievements but also as a reaffirmation of Fidelity Bank’s commitment to recognizing and supporting leaders who drive progress across Africa’s financial landscape.