Chairman of Fidelity Bank Plc, Mrs. Amaka Onwughalu, has been named Woman of the Year at the 5th edition of the Anambra Man of the Year Awards (AMTY), in recognition of her exceptional contributions to Nigeria’s banking industry, corporate governance, leadership, and service to society.
The award ceremony, held at the Stanel Dome Conference Centre in Awka, Anambra State, brought together distinguished business leaders, academics, captains of industry, and public figures to celebrate individuals and institutions whose achievements continue to shape business, governance, academia, public service, and community development.
The event was chaired by Prof. Joe Ezigbo, Founder of Falcon Corporation, while the keynote address was delivered by Prof. Bond Anyaehie, Vice Chancellor of Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka.
The theme of the address, “Unstoppable Anambra: Leveraging Human Capital for Global Impact,” highlighted the importance of talent development in driving sustainable progress.
Mrs. Onwughalu, who assumed office as Chairman of Fidelity Bank on January 1, 2026, joined the bank’s Board in December 2020.
With over 32 years of experience in financial services, she has held several senior leadership roles across leading institutions, including Group Managing Director of the defunct Mainstreet Bank Limited and Deputy Managing Director of Skye Bank Plc.
In her acceptance speech, she described the recognition as deeply meaningful, particularly as it came from her home state.
“I have been privileged to receive several honours over the course of 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 said.
She dedicated the award to the mentors, colleagues, teams, and institutions that have supported her throughout her career, emphasizing that leadership is built on trust, shared responsibility, and collective commitment.
“I am especially grateful to the Board, Management, and staff of Fidelity Bank Plc. It is a privilege to serve as Chairman of a bank that continues to place strong governance, customer focus, and sustainable growth at the heart of its operations,” she added.
Mrs. Onwughalu also expressed hope that the recognition would inspire young people—particularly women—to pursue their ambitions with courage, discipline, and confidence.
Other awardees at the ceremony included High Chief Anthony Ikenna Obele, Chairman of Mekens Integrated Nigeria Ltd, who was named Business Icon of the Year, and Most Rev. Dr. Valerian Maduka Okeke, Metropolitan Archbishop of Onitsha, who received the Person of the Decade Award.
Also honoured were Dr. Chioma Irene Awuzie, Rector of Federal Polytechnic, Oko (Public Servant of the Year); Prof. Stella Okunna (Lifetime Achievement Award); Joy Egolum, Corporate Affairs Manager, East, Nigerian Breweries Plc (Corporate Leader of the Year); and Chinyere Moneme, SAN (Inspiring Woman of the Year).
In his remarks, Prof. Ezigbo described the AMTY Awards as a reflection of society’s recognition that excellence, character, and service matter.
He noted that celebrating individuals during their lifetime not only encourages them to continue making meaningful contributions but also inspires others to follow their example.
