Chairman of Fidelity Bank Plc, Mrs. Amaka Onwughalu, has been named Woman of the Year at the 5th edition of the Anambra Man of the Year, AMTY Awards in recognition of her contributions to Nigeria’s banking industry, corporate governance, leadership and service to society.
The award was presented at a ceremony held at the Stanel Dome Conference Centre in Awka, Anambra State, which brought together business leaders, academics, industry executives and public officials 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.”
Mrs. Onwughalu, who became Chairman of Fidelity Bank on January 1, 2026, joined the bank’s Board in December 2020. She has more than 32 years of experience in the financial services industry and previously served as Group Managing Director of the former Mainstreet Bank Limited and Deputy Managing Director of Skye Bank Plc.
Receiving the award, Onwughalu described the recognition as particularly 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 such as integrity, resilience, service and excellence,” she said.
She dedicated the award to the mentors, colleagues, teams and institutions that had contributed to her professional journey, noting that effective leadership is founded on trust, shared responsibility and collective commitment.
Onwughalu also expressed appreciation to the Board, management and staff of Fidelity Bank, saying it was a privilege to lead an institution committed to strong corporate governance, customer focus and sustainable growth.
She expressed hope that the recognition would inspire more young people, particularly women, to pursue their ambitions with courage, discipline and confidence.
Speaking at the event, Prof. Ezigbo said the AMTY Awards celebrate excellence, character and service, noting that recognising outstanding individuals while they are alive encourages them to continue making positive contributions and inspires others to emulate their example.
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; the Metropolitan Archbishop of Onitsha, Most Rev. Dr. Valerian Maduka Okeke, who was honoured as Person of the Decade; and the Rector of Federal Polytechnic, Oko, Dr. Chioma Irene Awuzie, who emerged as Public Servant of the Year.
Also recognised were Prof. Stella Okunna, who received the Lifetime Achievement Award; Joy Egolum, Corporate Affairs Manager (East) at Nigerian Breweries Plc, who won Corporate Leader of the Year; and Chinyere Moneme, SAN, who was named Inspiring Woman of the Year.