By Business Correspondent
Chairman of Fidelity Bank Plc, Mrs. Amaka Onwughalu, has been honoured with the Woman of the Year award at the 5th Anambra Man of the Year Awards (AMTY) in recognition of her outstanding contributions to Nigeria's banking industry, corporate governance, leadership and service to society.
The award ceremony, held at the Stanel Dome Conference Centre, Awka, brought together business leaders, academics, captains of industry and public officials to celebrate individuals and institutions making significant contributions to business, governance, education and community development.
The event was chaired by Prof. Joe Ezigbo, Founder of Falcon Corporation, while the Vice-Chancellor of Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Prof. Bond Anyaehie, delivered the keynote address titled "Unstoppable Anambra: Leveraging Human Capital for Global Impact."
Mrs. Onwughalu, who assumed office as Chairman of Fidelity Bank Plc on January 1, 2026, joined the bank's Board in December 2020. She has over three decades of experience in Nigeria's financial services sector, having previously served as Group Managing Director of legacy Mainstreet Bank Limited and Deputy Managing Director of Skye Bank Plc.
Receiving the award, she described the recognition as particularly meaningful because it came from her home state.
"I have been privileged to receive several honours during my career. However, to be 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."
She dedicated the award to her mentors, colleagues, professional teams and institutions that have contributed to her career, noting that leadership is built on trust, collaboration and shared responsibility.
Mrs. Onwughalu also expressed appreciation to the Board, Management and staff of Fidelity Bank Plc, describing it as a privilege to lead an institution committed to strong corporate governance, customer-centricity and sustainable growth.
She further expressed hope that the recognition would inspire more young people, particularly women, to pursue leadership roles with confidence, discipline and determination.
Other recipients at the ceremony included High Chief Anthony Ikenna Obele, who received the Business Icon of the Year award; Most Rev. Dr. Valerian Maduka Okeke, honoured as Person of the Decade; Dr. Chioma Irene Awuzie, named Public Servant of the Year; Prof. Stella Okunna, who received the Lifetime Achievement Award; Joy Egolum, honoured as Corporate Leader of the Year; and Chinyere Moneme, SAN, recognised as Inspiring Woman of the Year.
In his remarks, Prof. Ezigbo described the AMTY Awards as a celebration of excellence, character and selfless service, stressing the importance of recognising outstanding individuals while they are alive to inspire future generations.
Photo Caption
L-R: Prof. Joe Ezigbo, Founder, Falcon Corporation and Chairman of the Occasion; Chief Ven Onwughalu, husband of the awardee; Mrs. Amaka Onwughalu, Chairman, Fidelity Bank Plc; and Mr. Nosa Orumwense, Regional Bank Head, Imo, Fidelity Bank Plc, during the 5th Anambra Man of the Year Awards (AMTY), where Mrs. Onwughalu was honoured as Woman of the Year, in Awka, Anambra State.