In a night of elegance and heartfelt tributes, Fidelity Bank Plc hosted a black-tie gala in honour of Professor Benedict Okechukwu Oramah, outgoing President and Chairman of the African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank), to celebrate his decade of visionary leadership and service to Africa’s economic transformation.
The event, held on Thursday, October 2, 2025, at the Lagos Continental Hotel, was themed “Celebrating a Titan” and brought together an impressive array of dignitaries, business leaders, and international guests, all gathered to pay tribute to one of Africa’s most influential financial minds.
In her welcome address, Fidelity Bank’s Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Nneka Onyeali-Ikpe, described Prof. Oramah as “a towering figure in Africa’s economic renaissance,” whose tenure at Afreximbank was marked by innovation, foresight, and an unwavering commitment to inclusive growth. She highlighted his groundbreaking contributions, including the Pan-African Payment and Settlement System (PAPSS) and his championing of intra-African trade and the creative industries.
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 also given to Mrs. Chinelo Oramah for her unwavering support throughout her husband’s illustrious career. “Her steadfastness and strength have been instrumental to Prof. Oramah’s success,” Dr. Onyeali-Ikpe noted.
Tributes poured in from several high-profile guests, including Governor Sanwo-Olu, Vista Group Chairman Mr. Simon Tiemtore, and Chairman of Fidelity Bank Plc, Mr. Mustafa Chike-Obi, who lauded Prof. Oramah as “the most consequential African person of the last decade.”
Expressing his appreciation, Prof. Oramah thanked Fidelity Bank for the recognition, noting that such gestures were rare. “It is not always that, at the twilight of one’s tenure, people pause to say ‘thank you.’ I deeply cherish this honour,” he said. He also reflected on Afreximbank’s longstanding relationship with Fidelity Bank, dating back to the 1990s, describing the partnership as one that has grown stronger over time.
He commended Dr. Onyeali-Ikpe for her transformative leadership, remarking that “the growth and dynamism of Fidelity Bank complement Afreximbank’s mission of empowering African economies.”
Anchored by renowned broadcaster Ojy Okpe and comedian Okey Bakassi, the elegant evening concluded with a stirring performance by Nigerian highlife sensation, Flavour N’abania, leaving guests in awe and admiration of a man whose vision continues to shape the continent’s financial landscape.
