L-R: Prof. Joe Ezigbo, Founder, Falcon Corporation and Chairman of the Occasion; Chief Ven Onwughalu, husband of the awardee; Mrs. Amaka Onwughalu, Chairman, Fidelity Bank Plc; and Mr. Nosa Orumwense, Regional Bank Head, Imo, Fidelity Bank Plc, during the 5th Edition of the Anambra Man of the Year (AMTY) Awards in Awka, Anambra State, where Mrs. Onwughalu was honoured as Woman of the Year.
By Peace Udugba
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 award ceremony, held at the Stanel Dome Conference Centre in Awka, Anambra State, brought together prominent business leaders, captains of industry, academics, public officials, and other distinguished personalities to celebrate individuals and institutions whose achievements have made significant impacts in business, governance, academia, public service, and community development.
The event was chaired by Prof. Joe Ezigbo, Founder of Falcon Corporation, while the Vice Chancellor of Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Prof. Bond Anyaehie, delivered the keynote address titled, “Unstoppable Anambra:
Leveraging Human Capital for Global Impact.”
Mrs. Onwughalu, who assumed office as Chairman of Fidelity Bank Plc on January 1, 2026, joined the bank’s Board in December 2020. She brings more than 32 years of experience in the financial services industry, having previously served as Group Managing Director of the defunct Mainstreet Bank Limited and Deputy Managing Director of Skye Bank Plc.
Speaking after receiving the award, Mrs. Onwughalu described the recognition as particularly special 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 the mentors, colleagues, teams, and institutions that have supported her professional journey, stressing that leadership thrives on trust, shared responsibility, and collective commitment.
“I am especially grateful to the Board, Management and staff of Fidelity Bank Plc. 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.
Mrs. Onwughalu also expressed hope that the honour would inspire more young people, particularly women, to pursue their aspirations with courage, discipline, and confidence.
Other recipients at the event included High Chief Anthony Ikenna Obele, Chairman of Mekens Integrated Nigeria Ltd, who received the Business Icon of the Year award, and the Metropolitan Archbishop of Onitsha, Most Rev. Dr. Valerian Maduka Okeke, who was honoured with the Person of the Decade award.
Also recognised were Dr. Chioma Irene Awuzie, Rector of the Federal Polytechnic, Oko, as Public Servant of the Year; Prof. Stella Okunna, who received the Lifetime Achievement Award; Joy Egolum, Corporate Affairs Manager (East) at Nigerian Breweries Plc, who emerged Corporate Leader of the Year; and Chinyere Moneme, SAN, who was named Inspiring Woman of the Year.
In his remarks, Prof. Ezigbo described the AMTY Awards as a celebration of excellence, integrity, and selfless service, noting that recognising deserving individuals while they are alive encourages them to do more and inspires others to make meaningful contributions to society.
