By Peace Udugba
Mrs. Amaka Onwughalu, Chairman of the Board of Directors of Fidelity Bank Plc, 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, 8 May 2026. It serves as a leading platform dedicated to celebrating women driving leadership and impact across Africa’s financial services sector, while also spotlighting professionals whose contributions often go unrecognised.
In her acceptance remarks, delivered on her behalf by Ezinwa Unuigboje, Company Secretary of Fidelity Bank Plc, Onwughalu described the recognition as a timely reminder of the importance of inclusion in strengthening board effectiveness and corporate governance.
“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 noted that inclusive leadership sends a strong signal to the market and the next generation of leaders, stressing that boardrooms should reflect “competence, experience, and the society the financial system serves.”
Linking the award to Fidelity Bank’s governance priorities, she highlighted the institution’s progress in consolidating key milestones in capital strengthening, international expansion, and sustained business growth.
She also underscored the broader implications for Nigeria’s banking sector, noting that inclusive boards enhance stability, improve decision-making, and strengthen trust within financial institutions. According to her, such leadership helps banks remain responsive to customers, communities, and an evolving regulatory environment.
She concluded by accepting the honour “with gratitude, and with renewed commitment to champion inclusive leadership at the highest level.”
Organisers described AWBFA 2026 as more than a conference, positioning it as a movement committed to celebrating excellence, driving inclusion, and strengthening leadership pipelines for women across Africa’s financial ecosystem.
