Chairman of the Board of Directors of Fidelity Bank Plc, Amaka Onwughalu, has emerged winner in the “Women on Bank Boards” category at the Africa Women in Banking and Finance Conference and Awards, AWBFA 2026.
The event, themed “Redefining Women’s Leadership in African Finance,” was held at the Lagos Marriott Hotel Ikeja on Friday, May 8, 2026.
AWBFA was established to celebrate women driving leadership and impact across Africa’s financial services ecosystem, while also promoting visibility for professionals shaping the banking and finance industry.
Speaking through Ezinwa Unuigboje during the award presentation, Onwughalu described the recognition as a reflection of the importance of inclusion in strengthening corporate governance and board effectiveness.
According to her, inclusive leadership enhances decision-making and improves institutional oversight.
“This recognition matters because inclusion at board level strengthens governance,” she said, adding that when diverse perspectives are represented, “oversight is sharper, risk conversations are richer, and strategy is tested more thoroughly.”
She further stated that inclusive leadership sends a strong message to the market and future leaders, stressing that boardrooms should reflect competence, experience, and the society the financial system serves.
Onwughalu linked the recognition to Fidelity Bank’s governance priorities and recent growth trajectory, noting that strong governance had supported the bank’s progress in capital strengthening, international expansion, and business growth.
She also highlighted the broader impact of inclusive boards on the Nigerian banking industry, saying diversity in leadership contributes to institutional stability, public trust, improved decision-making, and stronger responsiveness to customers and regulatory developments.
The Fidelity Bank chairman said the award was accepted with gratitude and a renewed commitment to championing inclusive leadership at the highest level.
Organisers of AWBFA 2026 described the initiative as more than a conference, noting that it represents a movement focused on celebrating excellence, driving inclusion, and strengthening leadership pipelines for women across Africa’s financial ecosystem.
