Chairman of Fidelity Bank Plc, Mrs. Amaka Onwughalu, has been honoured with the prestigious Woman of the Year award at the fifth edition of the Anambra Man of the Year (AMTY) Awards, in recognition of her outstanding leadership, corporate governance credentials and remarkable contributions to Nigeria’s banking industry.
The prestigious ceremony, held at the Stanel Dome Conference Centre in Awka, Anambra State, attracted an array of distinguished personalities from the business community, academia, public service and private sector who gathered to celebrate individuals making significant impacts across various fields.
The event was chaired by Professor Joe Ezigbo, Founder of Falcon Corporation, while the Vice Chancellor of Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Professor Bond Anyaehie, delivered the keynote address titled, “Unstoppable Anambra, Leveraging Human Capital for Global Impact.”
Organisers said the annual awards celebrate exceptional achievements in business, governance, education, entrepreneurship, public service and community development, while recognising individuals whose leadership continues to inspire national progress.
Onwughalu’s recognition reflects a distinguished banking career spanning more than three decades, during which she has earned a reputation for strong corporate leadership, sound governance and strategic vision across Nigeria’s financial services sector.
She assumed office as Chairman of Fidelity Bank Plc on January 1, 2026, after joining the bank’s Board in December 2020, bringing over 32 years of executive experience to the institution.
Before her current role, she served as Group Managing Director of the former Mainstreet Bank Limited and also held the position of Deputy Managing Director at Skye Bank Plc, where she played key roles in strengthening institutional performance.
Receiving the award, Onwughalu described the honour as particularly significant because it came from her home state, saying the recognition reaffirmed the principles that have defined her professional and personal journey.
She noted that although she had received several honours throughout her career, the AMTY recognition carried deeper emotional value, as it reflected the appreciation of her people and celebrated the ideals of integrity, resilience, service and excellence.
The Fidelity Bank Chairman dedicated the award to her mentors, professional colleagues, management teams and institutions that contributed to her growth, stressing that enduring leadership thrives on trust, collaboration and shared responsibility.
She also expressed appreciation to the Board, management and staff of Fidelity Bank Plc, describing it as a privilege to lead an institution that remains committed to strong corporate governance, customer satisfaction and sustainable business growth.
Onwughalu further expressed optimism that the recognition would encourage more young Nigerians, particularly women, to pursue excellence with courage, discipline, determination and confidence.
Other recipients at the ceremony included High Chief Anthony Ikenna Obele, Chairman of Mekens Integrated Nigeria Limited, who received the Business Icon of the Year award, while the Metropolitan Archbishop of Onitsha, Most Rev. Dr. Valerian Maduka Okeke, was honoured with the Person of the Decade Award.
Also recognised were Dr. Chioma Irene Awuzie as Public Servant of the Year, Professor Stella Okunna with the Lifetime Achievement Award, Joy Egolum as Corporate Leader of the Year and Chinyere Moneme, SAN, as Inspiring Woman of the Year.
In his remarks, Professor Ezigbo said the AMTY Awards remain a powerful platform for celebrating excellence, integrity and selfless service, stressing that recognising outstanding individuals during their lifetime motivates them to achieve even greater milestones while inspiring others to contribute meaningfully to society.