The award, presented at an elaborate ceremony in Lagos, was conferred on Mr. Okonkwo in utmost recognition of his leadership and vision having not only overseen strong financial performance for the bank in recent times but also guiding the financial institution to greater heights in a highly competitive industry.
According to the organisers, Hallmark Newspapers Limited, publishers of Business Hallmark, the award was aimed specifically at recognising individuals and corporate organisations that made meaningful impact in supporting the growth of critical institutions that are needed to foster healthy growth of the Nigerian economy.
A statement by the bank’s Head, Corporate Communications, Ejike Ndiulo, said Under Okonkwo’s watch, Fidelity Bank has grown from being one of several players in the Nigerian banking space to one that has presently registered in the consciousness of many as one of the most dynamic and fast-growing businesses of its type in the land.
Receiving the award on behalf of the awardee, the bank’s Executive Director, Corporate Bank, Obaro Odeghe described the award as a very clear testament of Okonkwo’s contributions, not just to the bank but the entire banking sector.
While expressing his gratitude to Business Hallmark Newspaper Group for the award, Okonkwo said that the award was not taken for granted. “We are not taking this award for granted, it is a very clear testament to our contributions, not just to the bank but the entire banking sector,” he said.
According to the bank’s spokesman, Okonkwo has led Fidelity to consistently post double digit growth figures, year-on –year profitability and wealth creation across the bank’s operations over the last six years.
“Fidelity Bank’s Profit Before Tax (PBT) under Okonkwo grew by 236 per cent from N9.06 billion to N30.4 billion and Return on Equity (RoE) increased from 5.5 per cent to 13. 3 percent.
“Customer deposits grew 68 per cent from N806.3 billion to N1.352.3 billion and a savings deposit growth of 275 per cent from N83.3 billion to N312.1 billion. Also, under his watch, the bank has recorded unprecedented growth in its digital platforms such that the Tier 2 bank is well on its way to becoming a Tier one bank,” the statement stated.
Earlier in his opening remarks, Chairman of the occasion, Former Senate President, Senator Anyim Pius Anyim, noted that the year 2020 has been challenging because of the COVID-19 Pandemic, adding that Nigeria needs to adopt a socio-political framework where everybody feels included.
“Today we have gathered here to honour people who in their respective social classes have tried to make meaningful impact in supporting the growth of critical institutions that are needed to foster the healthy growth of our country, whether in the private or public capacities, these individuals have shone like bright stars, spreading light.
“Given the challenges that we face as a country today, we have such achievers that we are celebrating today, and we are glad to be here to honour them,” Anyim said.
Other distinguished awardees include, Attorney-General of the Federation & Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami – Public Servant of the Year award; Member, Federal House of Representatives, Dr Ottah Francis Agbo-Lawmaker of the Year award and former Director, Corporate Communication of Central Bank of Nigeria, Mr Isaac Okoroafor-Professional Excellence in Corporate Communication.
Also, honoured were Director General, NCDC, Dr Chikwe Ihekwe; Former President/ CEO Transnational Corporation of Nigeria, Mr. Valentine Ozigbo; Konga, Heritage Bank and Keystone Bank Limited.
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