Fidelity Bank Hosts Black-Tie Gala Honouring Afreximbank President Prof. Benedict Oramah

In celebration of a decade of transformative leadership and dedication to Africa’s economic advancement, Fidelity Bank Plc hosted an exclusive black-tie dinner in honour of Professor Benedict Okechukwu Oramah, outgoing President and Chairman of the African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank).

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The prestigious event, themed “Celebrating a Titan,” took place on Thursday, 2 October 2025, at the Lagos Continental Hotel. It brought together an eminent array of dignitaries, industry leaders, and international guests who gathered to pay tribute to Prof. Oramah widely regarded as one of Africa’s most influential financial minds.

In her welcome remarks, Dr. Nneka Onyeali-Ikpe, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Fidelity Bank Plc, lauded Prof. Oramah as “a towering figure in Africa’s economic renaissance.” She praised his decade-long leadership at Afreximbank, describing it as marked by visionary ideas, strategic foresight, and a relentless commitment to inclusive growth.

“From Cairo to Kigali, Lagos to Lusaka, his impact has touched countless lives, empowered businesses, and deepened African integration,” she said, highlighting his pioneering contributions to the Pan-African Payment and Settlement System (PAPSS) and his tireless advocacy for intra-African trade and the creative economy.

Among the distinguished guests were Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu; Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun; Minister of Art, Culture, Tourism and Creative Economy, Ms. Hannatu Musawa; Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Dr. Jumoke Oduwole; and Minister of State for Finance, Dr. Doris Nkiruka Uzoka-Anite.

Special acknowledgment was given to Mrs. Chinelo Oramah for her unwavering support throughout her husband’s tenure. Dr. Onyeali-Ikpe noted that “her steadfastness on the home front was instrumental to Prof. Oramah’s success in delivering transformational initiatives across Africa.”

Tributes flowed from several speakers, including Governor Sanwo-Olu; Chairman of Vista Group Holding, Mr. Simon Tiemtore; and Chairman of Fidelity Bank Plc, Mr. Mustafa Chike-Obi, who hailed Prof. Oramah as “arguably the most consequential African of the past decade.”

Expressing his gratitude, Prof. Oramah said, “It is not often that when one’s journey in leadership draws to a close, partners and friends pause to say ‘thank you.’ I am deeply honoured by this gesture from Fidelity Bank. On behalf of my family and the Afreximbank community, I say thank you.”

He also reflected warmly on the longstanding partnership between Afreximbank and Fidelity Bank: “Our relationship dates back to the 1990s and has only grown stronger over the years. Fidelity Bank has been a trusted ally in advancing our goals in Nigeria. Under Dr. Nneka’s leadership, the bank’s transformation has been remarkable, and I am confident that our partnership will continue to thrive.”

The event was elegantly co-anchored by renowned broadcaster Ojinika ‘Ojy’ Okpe and celebrated comedian Okechukwu Anthony Onyegbule, popularly known as Okey Bakassi. The evening culminated in a captivating musical performance by highlife sensation Chinedu Okoli, better known as Flavour N’abania, leaving guests with lasting memories of a night dedicated to excellence, leadership, and African pride.