Fidelity Bank Chairman Amaka Onwughalu Wins AWBFA 2026 “Women on Bank Boards” Award

Fidelity Bank Chairman Amaka Onwughalu Wins AWBFA 2026 “Women on Bank Boards” Award

The Chairman of the Board of Directors of Fidelity Bank Plc, Mrs. Amaka Onwughalu, has emerged winner in the “Women on Bank Boards” category at the 2026 Africa Women in Banking and Finance Conference and Awards (AWBFA).

The award ceremony, themed “Redefining Women’s Leadership in African Finance,” was held at the Lagos Marriott Hotel Ikeja on May 8, 2026.

The Africa Women in Banking and Finance Conference and Awards is designed to celebrate women making significant contributions to leadership and innovation across Africa’s financial services sector, while promoting greater visibility for female professionals shaping the banking industry.

Speaking during the award presentation through Fidelity Bank’s Company Secretary, Ezinwa Unuigboje, Onwughalu described the recognition as a reflection of the importance of inclusion in strengthening corporate governance and board effectiveness.

According to her, diverse representation at the board level improves oversight, enriches risk management discussions, and strengthens strategic decision-making within organisations.

She noted that inclusive leadership also sends a strong message to younger professionals and the broader financial market that leadership positions should reflect competence, experience, and societal diversity.

The Fidelity Bank chairman linked the recognition to the bank’s governance priorities and ongoing growth, citing milestones in capital strengthening, international expansion, and sustained business performance.

Onwughalu further stated that inclusive boards contribute to stability and trust in the Nigerian banking industry by improving decision-making and helping financial institutions remain responsive to customers, communities, and changing regulatory realities.

She dedicated the award to the continued advancement of inclusive leadership within Africa’s financial ecosystem.

Organisers of AWBFA 2026 described the conference as more than an awards platform, noting that it aims to promote excellence, deepen inclusion, and strengthen leadership pipelines for women in banking and finance across the continent.