Yemisi Izuora
Chairman of Fidelity Bank Plc, Mrs. Amaka Onwughalu, has been honoured as Woman of the Year at the 5th Edition of the 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, 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 Prof. Bond Anyaehie, Vice Chancellor of Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, delivered the keynote address themed, “Unstoppable Anambra, Leveraging Human Capital for Global Impact.”
Mrs. Onwughalu, who was appointed Chairman of the Board of Fidelity Bank effective January 1, 2026, joined the bank’s Board in December 2020. She has over 32 years of experience in financial services and has held senior leadership positions across leading institutions, including serving as Group Managing Director of legacy Mainstreet Bank Limited and Deputy Managing Director of Skye Bank Plc.
In her acceptance speech, she described the honour as deeply meaningful, noting that the recognition reinforced the values that have shaped her journey.
“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 such as integrity, resilience, service and excellence,” she said.
She dedicated the award to the mentors, colleagues, teams and institutions that have supported her career, adding 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 more young people, especially young women, to pursue their dreams 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 recognised were Dr. Chioma Irene Awuzie, Rector of Federal Polytechnic, Oko, who was named Public Servant of the Year, Prof. Stella Okunna, who received a Lifetime Achievement Award, Joy Egolum, Corporate Affairs Manager, East, Nigerian Breweries Plc, who was honoured as Corporate Leader of the Year, and Chinyere Moneme, SAN, who was named Inspiring Woman of the Year.
In his remarks, Prof. Ezigbo described the AMTY Awards as society’s acknowledgement that excellence, character and service matter, adding that celebrating people while they are alive helps encourage them to continue doing good and inspires others to follow their example.