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Pace setting Fidelity Bank MD, Nneka Onyeali-Ikpe clocks 60

There is tremendous excitement in the air as the first female Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Fidelity Bank Plc, Dr. Nneka Onyeali-Ikpe clocked 60 years on Sunday July 28, given her outstanding performance in the nation’s financial services sector that had earned her respect amongst banks’ top CEOs.
Besides leading the bank to close the 2023 financial year with strong double-digit growth across key income and balance-sheet lines with profit before tax growing by 131.5% to N124.3bn from N53.7bn in 2022FY, leading to an increase in Return on Average Equity (RoAE) of 26.5% from 15.6% in 2022FY, her proactive efforts also manifested when the bank opened its N127.10bn rights issue and public offer in June, becoming the first bank to go public following the recapitalisation directive of the Central Bank of Nigeria issued in March.
This wasn’t surprising to many industry watchers, as the virtuous woman and Champion Newspapers’ 2022 Banker of the Year, has consistently advocated that “women must work hard, invest in their personal development, constantly up-skill and gain deep knowledge of their industry, for them to break the ice in their careers” adding however that it is “extremely important that we create enabling environments for women to thrive and maximise their full potential.
At the public offer and rights issue facts behind the combined offer presentation at the Nigerian Exchange Limited, she explained that the financial institution’s N127.10bn capital raising was to be considered as a pacesetter in the life of the banking industry capitalisation drive, revealing that Fidelity Bank has already started the process of raising additional capital ahead of CBN’s directive, “requiring the banks to raise a minimum capital base of N200bn for national banks and N500bn for banks with international operations like ours, amongst other capital requirements”.
Though the full report on the outcome of the bank’s public offer of 10 billion ordinary shares of 50 kobo each at N9.75 per share and rights issue of 3.2 billion ordinary shares of 50 kobo each at N9.25 per share has not been fully made public, industry experts earlier predicted a highly successful exercise given the financial institution’s recent strong financial performance and with a client base of over 8 million customers.
Born in Anambra state on July 28, 1964, Nneka joined Fidelity Bank as an Executive Director in 2015 and was appointed Managing Director/CEO of the Bank in January 2021.
According to her citation, she is an alumnus of the prestigious University of Nigeria, Nsukka and Kings College, London where she holds a Bachelor of Law and Masters of Law respectively and has also attended executive training programs at Harvard Business School, The Wharton School University of Pennsylvania, INSEAD School of Business, Chicago Booth School of Business, London Business School and IMD amongst others.
And with over 33 years of experience in investment banking, wealth management, Treasury Management, retail banking and corporate banking among others, Nneka is widely regarded as one of Africa’s leading CEOs with a reputation for “identifying talents, opportunities and executing complex business deals”.
For instance under her leadership, Fidelity Bank has been adjudged by many industry leading experts as the fastest growing bank in Nigeria while her deep understanding of complex businesses and markets has enabled the bank undertake large ticket transactions in financial advisory, structured and project finance in the real sectors as well as take advantage of opportunities in select high growth international markets where the Bank has a competitive advantage.
Significantly, she guided the bank to obtain the approval of the Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, to expand its operations to the United Kingdom that culminated in Fidelity Bank’s acquisition of the 100 per cent equity in Union Bank UK, a subsidiary of the Union Bank of Nigeria.
Very passionate about innovation and embracing technology, Nneka towering achievements include her pioneering role in several innovative and pacesetting products such as the PayGate Plus, an online platform that enables businesses make and receive payments.
Married to Dr. Ken Onyeali-Ikpe, the workaholic has also radically repositioned the bank as the “go-to financial institution for Small and Medium Enterprises”.
Furthermore, apparently understanding the critical role of small businesses in the sustenance of economic growth and development, she led the bank to create the Fidelity International Trade & Creative Connect (FITCC) which is aimed at providing a touchpoint for exporters, regulators, subject matter experts and the market.
According to the records, the FITCC 2022 edition was attended by representatives of both the UK & the Nigerian Governments, Nigerian exporters, investors, regulators from the United Kingdom and Nigeria, the business community and other practitioners. The pipeline deals from the event was in excess of $200million. Also, over 2,000 people registered to attend the event and daily foot-fall was about 1,000.
Similarly, recall that second edition of the FITCC, held in Houston, Texas in the United States of America took place from the 24th to 25th of October, 2023 at the plush George R. Brown Convention Center, 1001 Avenida de las Americas. It was well attended too.
But in her bid to give back to the communities the Bank serves and as part of her efforts to combat the twin issues of poverty and hunger, Mrs Onyeali-Ikpe launched a National Corporate Social Responsibility initiative tagged The Fidelity Food Bank which provides free food bags to people across Nigeria on a monthly basis.
A winner of several international and national awards including Officer of the Order of the Niger, OON, Nneka has been recognized by several local and international bodies for her giant strides and such high profile recognitions include: “The Banker of the Year 2022 at the 14th Leadership Annual Conference and Awards; The Best Banking CEO Nigeria 2023 in the 2023 Global Banking & Finance Awards as well as Champion Newspapers’ 2022 Banker of the Year.
No doubt her impactful leadership and outstanding performance as CEO, had resulted in the bank bagging several laurels within and outside Nigeria some of which are: “Best Commercial Banking Brand in Nigeria by the Global Brands Magazine Awards; Best Private Bank in Nigeria by The Financial Times in association with The Banker Magazine; Global Finance’s World’s Best Private Banks 2023 awards for Best Private Bank in Nigeria and The Best Payment Solution Provider Nigeria 2023 in the 2023 Global Banking & Finance Awards amongst others.
Happy birthday to a pacesetter and accomplished banker.
Culled from Champion Newspaper Website
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Primate Ayodele Shines At ‘Judah Mega Praise’ In Ibadan

It’s rare to see the Leader of INRI Evangelical Spiritual Church, Primate Elijah Ayodele in public spaces; be it church programmes or social gatherings. In his over three decades of operating in the prophetic realm, the outings that this enigmatic man of God has attended can be counted on fingers.
His decision not to attend outings isn’t borne out of pride or class. It is a result of divine instruction given to him by God due to the unique ministry placed in his hands but whenever Primate Ayodele steps out, one would have no choice but to acknowledge the grandiose, presence, the aura he possesses.
From his attire, which is always all-white including his shoes and hat, to the captivating smile he carries, to his elegant steps, and the highly spiritual people he moves around with, you would know it’s not business as usual when Primate Ayodele steps out.
This rare presence was experienced by the over 10,000 audience that attended Judah Mega Praise in Ibadan on Friday, 31st of January, 2025. The programme is organized annually by popular musician, Dr. Yinka Ayefele to precede his birthday which comes up on every 1st of February.
Primate Ayodele’s arrival at Judah Mega Praise was received with loud cheers from the crowd who have been hearing about him on broadcast, print and digital media. Many who have always wondered how the prophet looks had the opportunity to see him in person at Judah Mega Praise.
As he moved into the stadium where the programme was held, the convener, Dr. Yinka Ayefele who is also an ardent follower of Primate Ayodele rushed to welcome him with one of his children. Right there, he appreciated the prophet for gracing his event bearing in mind that he isn’t one who attends every gathering he is invited to.
As if that wasn’t enough, his entrance into the main auditorium was met by salutations as the man of God respectfully exchanged pleasantries with everyone he met on his way till he got to the seat that had been prepared for him. This also includes paying homage to musical legends and God’s generals like Chief Ebenezer Obey, Evangelist Joseph Adebayo Adelakun (Ayewa Music), and several others.
Alas, it was time for Primate Ayodele to perform the duty he was invited for – Praying for the celebrate, Dr. Yinka Ayefele alongside other anointed men of God including the General evangelist of Christ Apostolic Church, Prophet Hezekiah Oladeji. When the microphone was passed to him, Primate Ayodele prayed briefly for the celebrant and convener who was passionately responding with ‘Amen.”
In summary, It was indeed a great and powerful event that had the greatest men of God especially Primate Ayodele who added a ‘spiritual steeze’ to the programme.
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21 Days of Appreciation: Primate Ayodele Visits AIG Zone 2, Lagos CP, Police Stations

The Leader of INRI Evangelical Spiritual Church, Primate Elijah Ayodele has visited the Assistant inspector general of police Zone 2, Adegoke Fayoade, the Lagos state commissioner of police, Ishola Olanrewaju, and several police stations in commemoration of his annual thanksgiving programs.
The 2025 Thanksgiving tagged ’21 Days of Appreciation’ began on Sunday, 26th of January 2025 with an award ceremony organized for church members after which he visited members in their homes on Monday.
Wednesday, which marked the fourth day of appreciation featured visits to these distinguished personalities mentioned above.
During his visit, Primate Ayodele appreciated the gallant officers for their efforts to maintain peace and orderliness in the society. He commended them for being the reason behind the peace experienced across Lagos state.
Most especially in tackling armed robbery and cultism, Primate Ayodele commended the police officers for drastically reducing the menace across the state with their unrelenting efforts to provide security for the people.
For the AIG Zone 2, Primate Ayodele lauded him for his achievements within a short period.
“Indeed, we are blessed in Lagos state to have these gallant police officers in charge of providing security for the good people of the state. Lagos has been experiencing peace because of our experienced officers and we are grateful to God for blessing us with them”
“The AIG Zone 2 has proven to be a role model for many, his success, within a short period of time, is mind-blowing and this just further expresses the blessings God has bestowed upon us in Lagos”
In his reaction, the Lagos commissioner of Police appreciated Primate Ayodele for always praying for the success of the police.
Continuing, Primate Ayodele prayed with the police officers for God’s protection while urging them to keep up the good work they have been doing. Also, he shared a short exhortation with the police officers.
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How Primate Ayodele Foretold Max Air Incident, Suspension In Prophecy Book

Max Air, a Nigerian airline, suffered an unfortunate incident that would have led to a nationwide disaster.
About 53 passengers escaped death on Tuesday night after the Max Air plane they boarded from Lagos to Kano experienced a tyre burst late on landing at the Mallam Aminu International Airport.
The Max Air aircraft with the registration number: 5N-MBD suffered the tyre burst on landing at 22:57pm, the Punch newspaper reported, quoting one of the passengers on board the aircraft.
However, all the passengers on the aircraft that departed from Murtala Muhammed Muhammed Airport in Lagos for Kano were evacuated safely from the aircraft without any injuries.
This incident fulfilled the prophecy of Primate Ayodele contained in his annual prophecy book titled warnings to the nations (2024/2025) edition. He had warned that the airline will want to do great things but they will have unforeseen issues.
He made it known that the airline will have smooth landing challenges and this was what exactly what happened when the airline’s aircraft suffered a tyre burst during landing yesterday.
“MAX AIR: I foresee the airline will want to do great things but they will not be able due to unforeseen issues. I foresee the quality of their services will be queried. I foresee delays in the operations namely take- off and landing time crisis. I foresee the pilots will be having smooth landing challenges.”
Following the incident, The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has directed the suspension of Max Air domestic flight operations for three months with effect from midnight of Jan. 31.
The NCAA Director of Consumer Protection and Public Affairs, Mr Michael Achimugu, made this known in a statement on Wednesday.
Achimugo said that the suspension was a result of an incident involving Max Air B734 aircraft with registration marks 5N-MBD while landing at Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport, Kano, on Tuesday.
In Primate Ayodele’s prophecy, he made it known that the quality of Air Max’s operations will be queried. No doubt, this suspension is to query to quality of services rendered by the airline, as revealed by NCAA.
This incident has added to the growing list of Primate Ayodele’s prophecies especially in the aviation sector. The near-death experience that occurred with United Airline last week that forced the US-bound aircraft to return to Lagos, was foretold by Primate Ayodele in his prophecy book.
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