Fidelity Bank Chairman Amaka Onwughalu Named Woman of the Year at AMTY Awards
The 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 prestigious award ceremony, held at the Stanel Dome Conference Centre in Awka, Anambra State, attracted an array of business leaders, academics, captains of industry, public officials and other prominent personalities who gathered to celebrate individuals and organisations making significant contributions to business, governance, academia, public service and community development.
The event was chaired by the Founder of Falcon Corporation, Prof. Joe Ezigbo, while the Vice Chancellor of Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Prof. Bond Anyaehie, delivered the keynote address on the theme, “Unstoppable Anambra: Leveraging Human Capital for Global Impact.”
Onwughalu’s recognition comes barely months after she assumed office as Chairman of Fidelity Bank Plc on January 1, 2026. She joined the bank’s Board in December 2020 and has built a distinguished career spanning more than 32 years in the financial services industry.
Over the course of her career, she has occupied several strategic leadership positions, including serving as the Group Managing Director of the defunct Mainstreet Bank Limited and Deputy Managing Director of Skye Bank Plc, earning a reputation for strong corporate governance, financial expertise and transformational leadership.
Speaking after receiving the award, Onwughalu described the honour as particularly significant because it came from her home state, saying the recognition reaffirmed the values that had guided her throughout her professional journey.
According to her, although she had received several honours during her career, being recognised by the people of Anambra carried a deeper emotional significance.
She said the award reminded her of the enduring importance of integrity, resilience, service and excellence, values she said had remained central to her personal and professional life.
The Fidelity Bank Chairman dedicated the award to the mentors, colleagues, teams and institutions that had contributed to her success, stressing that leadership is never an individual accomplishment but one built on trust, shared responsibility and collective commitment.
She also expressed appreciation to the Board, management and staff of Fidelity Bank Plc for their support, describing it as a privilege to lead a financial institution that continues to prioritise sound corporate governance, customer satisfaction and sustainable growth.
Onwughalu further expressed the hope that the recognition would encourage more young people, particularly young women, to pursue their aspirations with courage, discipline and confidence despite the challenges they may encounter.
The ceremony also honoured several other distinguished Nigerians for their contributions in different sectors.
High Chief Anthony Ikenna Obele, Chairman of Mekens Integrated Nigeria Ltd, received the Business Icon of the Year award, while the Metropolitan Archbishop of Onitsha, Most Rev. Dr Valerian Maduka Okeke, was recognised as Person of the Decade.
Other recipients included the Rector of Federal Polytechnic, Oko, Dr Chioma Irene Awuzie, who emerged Public Servant of the Year, while Prof. Stella Okunna received the Lifetime Achievement Award.
Joy Egolum, Corporate Affairs Manager, East, Nigerian Breweries Plc, was named Corporate Leader of the Year, while Chinyere Moneme, SAN, received the Inspiring Woman of the Year award.
In his remarks, Chairman of the occasion, Prof. Ezigbo, said the AMTY Awards represent society’s recognition of excellence, integrity and selfless service.
He noted that honouring deserving individuals during their lifetime serves not only as appreciation for their contributions but also as motivation for them to continue making positive impacts while inspiring others to emulate their achievements.
