Dr. Nneka Onyeali-Ikpe, the trailblazing Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Fidelity Bank Plc, celebrated her 60th birthday on Sunday, July 28th. The occasion marks a significant milestone for Onyeali-Ikpe, who has garnered respect and admiration for her exceptional contributions to Nigeria’s financial services sector.
Onyeali-Ikpe’s leadership has propelled Fidelity Bank to remarkable financial achievements. Under her guidance, the bank closed the 2023 financial year with a 131.5% increase in profit before tax, reaching N124.3 billion, up from N53.7 billion in 2022. This success translated to a notable rise in Return on Average Equity (RoAE) from 15.6% to 26.5%. In June, Fidelity Bank became the first bank to initiate a public offer following the Central Bank of Nigeria’s recapitalisation directive, opening a N127.10 billion rights issue and public offer.
Known for her advocacy for women’s empowerment in the banking industry, Onyeali-Ikpe emphasizes hard work, personal development, and the creation of supportive environments for women to thrive. Her efforts have earned her numerous accolades, including Champion Newspapers’ 2022 Banker of the Year.
Born in Anambra State on July 28, 1964, Onyeali-Ikpe joined Fidelity Bank as an Executive Director in 2015 and became the Managing Director/CEO in January 2021. She holds a Bachelor of Law from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, and a Masters of Law from Kings College, London. Her extensive experience spans over 33 years in investment banking, wealth management, treasury management, retail banking, and corporate banking.
Onyeali-Ikpe’s tenure at Fidelity Bank is marked by strategic innovations and expansion. She led the bank to acquire Union Bank UK, a subsidiary of Union Bank of Nigeria, and launched pioneering products like PayGate Plus, an online payment platform. Her initiatives include the Fidelity International Trade & Creative Connect (FITCC), which facilitates connections between exporters, regulators, and investors, generating significant economic opportunities.
Beyond her professional achievements, Onyeali-Ikpe is dedicated to social responsibility. She launched the Fidelity Food Bank, a national initiative providing free food bags to combat poverty and hunger across Nigeria.
Recognized both locally and internationally, Onyeali-Ikpe’s awards include the Officer of the Order of the Niger (OON), The Banker of the Year 2022 at the 14th Leadership Annual Conference and Awards, and the Best Banking CEO Nigeria 2023 in the Global Banking & Finance Awards.
Under her leadership, Fidelity Bank has received numerous accolades, such as the Best Commercial Banking Brand in Nigeria by the Global Brands Magazine Awards and the Best Private Bank in Nigeria by The Financial Times.
As she celebrates her 60th birthday, Dr. Nneka Onyeali-Ikpe continues to inspire and set benchmarks in the banking industry. Happy birthday to a visionary leader and accomplished banker.