Chairman of Fidelity Bank Plc, Mrs. Amaka Onwughalu, has been honoured with the Woman of the Year award 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 in Awka, Anambra State, brought together 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 Vice-Chancellor of Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Prof. Bond Anyaehie, delivered the keynote address themed, “Unstoppable Anambra: Leveraging Human Capital for Global Impact.”
Mrs. Onwughalu, who assumed office as Chairman of Fidelity Bank on January 1, 2026, joined the bank’s Board in December 2020. She has over 32 years of experience in the financial services sector and has held several top leadership positions, including Group Managing Director of legacy Mainstreet Bank Limited and Deputy Managing Director of Skye Bank Plc.
Receiving the award, Onwughalu described the honour as especially significant because 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 her mentors, colleagues, teams and institutions that have supported her career, stressing that leadership is built on trust, shared responsibility and collective commitment.
She also thanked the Board, Management and staff of Fidelity Bank, describing it as a privilege to lead a financial institution committed to strong corporate governance, customer focus and sustainable growth.
Onwughalu expressed hope that the recognition would inspire more young people, especially women, to pursue their dreams with courage, discipline and confidence.
Other recipients at the ceremony included High Chief Anthony Ikenna Obele, Chairman of Mekens Integrated Nigeria Ltd, who received the Business Icon of the Year award, and the Metropolitan Archbishop of Onitsha, Most Rev. Dr. Valerian Maduka Okeke, who was honoured with the Person of the Decade Award.
Also recognised were Dr. Chioma Irene Awuzie, Rector of Federal Polytechnic, Oko, as Public Servant of the Year; Prof. Stella Okunna, who received the Lifetime Achievement Award; Joy Egolum, Corporate Affairs Manager (East), Nigerian Breweries Plc, 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 a celebration of excellence, character and service, noting that recognising outstanding individuals while they are alive encourages them to continue making meaningful contributions to society and inspires others to follow their example.
