In a spectacular celebration of exceptional achievements and outstanding leadership, Mrs. Nneka Onyeali-Ikpe, the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of Fidelity Bank Plc, has been recognized as the Banker of the Year 2022 at the prestigious Champion Newspapers’ Awards.
The ceremony, held at the renowned Eko Hotel and Suites, was attended by distinguished personalities from various sectors, adding grandeur to the occasion.
The Banker of the Year award is a testament to Mrs. Onyeali-Ikpe’s remarkable contributions to the banking industry and her exceptional leadership at Fidelity Bank. This recognition serves as a testament to her unwavering dedication, visionary approach, and relentless pursuit of excellence.
Surrounded by her family, friends, and colleagues, Mrs. Onyeali-Ikpe accepted the award with heartfelt gratitude. She expressed her deep appreciation for the honor bestowed upon her and dedicated it to the board, management, and staff of Fidelity Bank PLC, as well as her supportive family.
The accolade not only celebrates her personal achievements but also highlights the collective efforts of the entire Fidelity Bank team in driving the institution’s success.
The Chairman of the occasion, Otunba Olusegun Runsewe, who is also the Director General of the National Council for Arts and Culture, emphasized the importance of recognizing and rewarding exceptional performance. He emphasized that when hard work and integrity are duly recognized, it sets a precedent for promoting excellence and discouraging mediocrity. Runsewe commended the rigorous process undertaken to select the awardees, affirming their merit and deserving nature.
Dr. Nwadiuto Iheakanwa, the Group Managing Director of Champion Newspapers, delivered the opening remarks, underlining the significance of hard work and continuous efforts to unlock Nigeria’s full potential across all sectors. She specifically challenged the incoming administration to prioritize improving the ease of doing business by streamlining administrative structures and eliminating bottlenecks. Dr. Iheakanwa believes that fostering a conducive environment for business will enable the nation to expand its productive capacity and attract more foreign earnings beyond the oil sector.
The Champion Newspapers’ Awards also recognized other distinguished individuals who have made significant contributions to their respective fields. Brigadier-General Mohamed Buba Marwa (rtd), the Chairman of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), was honored as the Man of the Year. Chief Ayo Adebanjo, the Afenifere Leader, received the Life Achievement Award, while Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State was named the Governor of the Year. Governor Ademola Adeleke of Osun State received the Governor of the Year, Good Governance award. Chief Dr. Cyril Onyekwelu Umunna Ajagu was recognized as the Most Outstanding Savvy Investor of the Year, and High Chief Michael Onuoha received the Most Innovative Brand CEO of the Year award.
This latest accolade adds to Mrs. Onyeali-Ikpe’s growing list of achievements. She was previously awarded the Banker of the Year 2022 at the 14th Leadership Annual Conference and Awards, and also named the Best Banking CEO Nigeria 2023 in the prestigious Global Banking & Finance Awards. Her consistent recognition as a top industry leader and being listed as one of the top 10 female finalists in the Africa.com Definitive List of Women Chief Executive Officers (CEOs) further solidify her standing in the business world.
