By Ayomide Otitoju
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, May 8, 2026. It brought together industry leaders to celebrate women driving leadership and impact across Africa’s financial services sector, while highlighting often under-recognised contributions within banking and finance.
In her acceptance remarks, delivered through the Company Secretary of Fidelity Bank Plc, Ezinwa Unuigboje, Onwughalu described the recognition as a 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 diverse perspectives enhance oversight, deepen risk discussions, and improve strategic decision-making.
She further noted that inclusive leadership sends a strong signal to the market and emerging leaders, stressing that boardrooms should reflect “competence, experience, and the society the financial system serves.”
Linking the award to Fidelity Bank’s governance direction, Onwughalu highlighted the institution’s ongoing progress in “capital strengthening, international expansion, and sustained business growth,” saying these milestones align with strong corporate governance practices.
She also underscored the broader implications for Nigeria’s banking sector, noting that inclusive boards foster stability, strengthen trust, and improve decision quality while keeping institutions responsive to customers, communities, and regulatory changes.
Organisers of AWBFA 2026 described the initiative as more than a conference, but a growing movement aimed at celebrating excellence, promoting inclusion, and strengthening leadership pipelines for women across Africa’s financial ecosystem.
