The recognition was presented during the AWBFA 2026 ceremony held at the Lagos Marriott Hotel, Ikeja, under the theme, “Redefining Women’s Leadership in African Finance.” The event brought together leading professionals, executives and stakeholders from across the continent to celebrate women making significant contributions to Africa’s banking and financial services industry.
Organisers described the conference as more than an awards platform, noting that it serves as a growing movement aimed at deepening inclusion, strengthening leadership pipelines and amplifying the visibility of women shaping the future of finance in Africa.
Speaking after receiving the award through the Company Secretary of Fidelity Bank Plc, Ezinwa Unuigboje, Mrs. Onwughalu said the honour reinforces the importance of diversity and inclusion at the highest levels of corporate decision-making.
“This recognition matters because inclusion at board level strengthens governance,” she stated.
According to her, institutions perform better when leadership structures reflect a broad range of perspectives and experiences.
“When diverse perspectives are represented, oversight is sharper, risk conversations are richer, and strategy is tested more thoroughly,” she added.
The Fidelity Bank Chairman stressed that inclusive leadership goes beyond representation, explaining that it sends a powerful message to both the market and emerging professionals about the future of corporate leadership.
She maintained that modern boardrooms should reflect “competence, experience, and the society the financial system serves,” adding that organisations that embrace diversity are often better positioned to respond to evolving economic realities and customer expectations.
Onwughalu linked the recognition to Fidelity Bank’s broader governance and growth agenda, noting that the institution has continued to record progress in several strategic areas, including capital strengthening, international expansion and sustained business growth.
She explained that strong governance structures remain central to the bank’s long-term vision and operational stability, especially within a rapidly changing financial environment.
Beyond Fidelity Bank, she also highlighted the broader implications for Nigeria’s banking sector, stating that inclusive boards contribute significantly to institutional trust, stronger decision-making processes and industry stability.
According to her, organisations that encourage diverse leadership are more likely to remain responsive to customers, communities and regulatory developments while sustaining investor confidence.
She said the award was accepted “with gratitude, and with renewed commitment to champion inclusive leadership at the highest level.”
The AWBFA platform has continued to gain recognition for spotlighting women whose contributions to finance and banking are often underrepresented, while encouraging institutions across Africa to build more equitable leadership structures.
Industry observers at the event noted that recognitions such as Onwughalu’s reflect the growing influence of women in shaping governance standards, financial innovation and strategic leadership within Africa’s banking ecosystem.