Chairman of Fidelity Bank Plc, Mrs. Amaka Onwughalu, has been named Woman of the Year at the fifth edition of the Anambra Man of the Year Awards (AMTY), in recognition of her contributions to Nigeria’s banking industry, corporate governance, leadership and community service.
The award was presented at a ceremony held at the Stanel Dome Conference Centre in Awka, Anambra State, where business leaders, academics, captains of industry and public officials gathered to honour individuals and organisations for outstanding achievements in business, governance, 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. Carol Arinze-Umobi, represented by Prof. Bond Anyaehie, delivered the keynote address titled “Unstoppable Anambra: Leveraging Human Capital for Global Impact.”
Onwughalu, who assumed office as Chairman of Fidelity Bank on January 1, 2026, joined the bank’s board in December 2020.
She has more than three decades of experience in Nigeria’s financial services industry and previously served as Group Managing Director of Mainstreet Bank Limited and Deputy Managing Director of Skye Bank Plc.
Receiving the award, she 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—integrity, resilience, service and excellence,” she said.
She dedicated the award to her mentors, colleagues and the Board, management and staff of Fidelity Bank, noting that leadership is built on trust, collaboration and shared responsibility.
“It is a privilege to serve as Chairman of a bank that continues to place strong governance, customer focus and sustainable growth at the heart of its operations,” she added.
Onwughalu also expressed the hope that the recognition would inspire more young people, particularly women, to pursue leadership opportunities with courage, discipline and confidence.
Other recipients at the ceremony included Chairman of Mekens Integrated Nigeria Ltd, High Chief Anthony Ikenna Obele, who received the Business Icon of the Year Award; Metropolitan Archbishop of Onitsha, Most Rev. Dr. Valerian Maduka Okeke, honoured as Person of the Decade; Rector of the Federal Polytechnic, Oko, Dr. Chioma Irene Awuzie, named Public Servant of the Year; veteran journalist and academic, Prof. Stella Okunna, who received the Lifetime Achievement Award; Corporate Affairs Manager (East) at Nigerian Breweries Plc, Joy Egolum, honoured as Corporate Leader of the Year; and Chinyere Moneme, SAN, who was recognised as Inspiring Woman of the Year.
In his remarks, Ezigbo said the AMTY Awards celebrate excellence, integrity and service, adding that recognising individuals during their lifetime encourages them to continue making meaningful contributions to society while inspiring others to emulate their achievements.
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