By Ayomide Otitoju
Fidelity Bank Plc recently held a black-tie dinner to celebrate the retirement of Professor Benedict Okechukwu Oramah, outgoing President and Chairman of the African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank), marking ten years of transformative leadership. The event, themed “Celebrating a Titan,” took place on Thursday, 2 October 2025, at the Lagos Continental Hotel and drew a distinguished audience of dignitaries, industry leaders, and international guests.
Welcoming attendees, Fidelity Bank Managing Director and CEO, Dr. Nneka Onyeali-Ikpe, described Prof. Oramah as “a towering figure in Africa’s economic renaissance,” highlighting his role in pioneering initiatives such as the Pan-African Payment and Settlement System and championing intra-African trade and the creative industries.
Notable guests included Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Ogun State Governor Prince Dapo Abiodun, Minister of Art, Culture, Tourism and Creative Economy Hannatu Musawa, Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment Dr. Jumoke Oduwole, and Minister of State for Finance Dr. Doris Nkiruka Uzoka-Anite. Special recognition was also given to Mrs. Chinelo Oramah for her support throughout her husband’s tenure.
Tributes were delivered by key figures including Governor Sanwo-Olu, Vista Group Holding Chairman Simon Tiemtore, and Fidelity Bank Chairman Mustafa Chike-Obi, who described Prof. Oramah as “the most consequential African person in the last 10 years.”
In his remarks, Prof. Oramah expressed gratitude for the recognition and reflected on the longstanding partnership between Afreximbank and Fidelity Bank, noting their collaboration has strengthened over the decades and will continue to support Africa’s economic growth.
The evening was hosted by broadcast journalist Ojinika ‘Ojy’ Okpe and comedian Okey Bakassi, and concluded with a musical performance by Nigerian highlife artist Flavour N’abania.
The celebration underscored Prof. Oramah’s impact on Africa’s financial landscape and Fidelity Bank’s commitment to recognising leadership that drives continental progress.
