Amanze Chinonye
Mrs. Amaka Onwughalu, Chairman of the Board of Directors of Fidelity Bank Plc, has won the “Women on Bank Boards” category at the 2026 Africa Women in Banking and Finance Conference and Awards (AWBFA).
The event, themed “Redefining Women’s Leadership in African Finance,” was held at the Lagos Marriott Hotel Ikeja on Friday, May 8, 2026.
AWBFA was established to celebrate women driving leadership and impact across Africa’s financial services ecosystem, while promoting visibility for female professionals shaping banking and finance across the continent.
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Speaking through the Company Secretary of Fidelity Bank, Ezinwa Unuigboje, Onwughalu described the recognition as a reflection of the importance of inclusion in strengthening corporate governance and board effectiveness.
“This recognition matters because inclusion at board level strengthens governance,” she said.
According to her, when diverse perspectives are represented at the board level, oversight becomes sharper, risk conversations more robust, and strategic decisions more thoroughly examined.
She added that inclusive leadership also sends a strong message to the market and emerging professionals, stressing that boardrooms should reflect “competence, experience, and the society the financial system serves.”
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Onwughalu linked the recognition to Fidelity Bank’s governance priorities and growth strategy, noting that the institution has continued to record milestones in capital strengthening, international expansion, and sustained business growth.
She further stated that inclusive boards contribute to stability and trust within the Nigerian banking industry by improving decision-making and ensuring institutions remain responsive to customers, communities, and evolving regulatory demands.
The Fidelity Bank chairman said the award was accepted “with gratitude, and with renewed commitment to champion inclusive leadership at the highest level.”
Organisers described AWBFA 2026 as more than a conference, saying it is a movement aimed at celebrating excellence, promoting inclusion, and strengthening leadership pipelines for women across Africa’s financial ecosystem.
Amanze Chinonye is a Staff Correspondent at Prime Business Africa, a rising star in the literary world, weaving captivating stories that transport readers to the vibrant landscapes of Nigeria and the rest of Africa. With a unique voice that blends with the newspaper's tradition and style, Chinonye's writing is a masterful exploration of the human condition, delving into themes of identity, culture, and social justice. Through her words, Chinonye paints vivid portraits of everyday African life, from the bustling markets of Nigeria's Lagos to the quiet villages of South Africa's countryside . With a keen eye for detail and a deep understanding of the complexities of Nigerian society, Chinonye's writing is both a testament to the country's rich cultural heritage and a powerful call to action for a brighter future. As a writer, Chinonye is a true storyteller, using her dexterity to educate, inspire, and uplift readers around the world.
