Dr. Nneka Onyeali-Ikpe Champions Transformational Leadership at London Business School Women’s Day Forum

LAGOS, Nigeria – May 24, 2025 – As part of this year's International Women's Day celebrations, the London Business School (LBS) Alumni Community Nigeria recently hosted an exclusive brunch and fireside chat, placing a well-deserved spotlight on Dr. Nneka Onyeali-Ikpe, the Group Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Fidelity Bank Plc. 

The event, held in Lagos, brought together an elite group of C-suite executives from diverse sectors including finance, FMCG, and investment. The powerful conversation focused on leadership, resilience, and the collective responsibility to "Accelerate Action," aligning with this year’s global Women’s Month theme. Dr. Onyeali-Ikpe's insightful presence and profound insights set a compelling tone for the day's discourse.

As the first female CEO in Fidelity Bank’s history, Dr. Onyeali-Ikpe has not only shattered conventional barriers but has also redefined what bold, values-driven leadership truly embodies within Nigeria’s dynamic banking sector. Drawing from her remarkable journey through a predominantly male-dominated industry, she shared personal anecdotes marked by unwavering perseverance, astute strategic thinking, and an unyielding commitment to excellence.

“I have personally never acknowledged the gender glass ceiling in my career—or in anything in my life,” Dr. Onyeali-Ikpe declared, inspiring the audience. “When something looks like a barrier, I see it as motivation to go even harder.”

Her words transcended mere motivation; they reflected a deeply ingrained philosophy that has consistently defined her impactful leadership at Fidelity Bank. Under her stewardship, the bank has championed innovation, embraced diversity, and driven financial inclusion, all while consistently delivering record-breaking financial results. Dr. Onyeali-Ikpe’s tenure has become synonymous with significant transformation, not just for Fidelity Bank itself, but for the broader financial services industry in Nigeria.

She spoke candidly about the intrinsic power of discipline, self-belief, and the courage to take calculated risks. “Don’t fear failure. It’s part of the process,” she advised. “Every misstep has taught me something that helped me get better.” These invaluable insights resonated deeply with attendees, many of whom saw reflections of their own professional challenges and aspirations mirrored in her compelling journey.

Beyond the boardroom, Dr. Onyeali-Ikpe also emphasized the broader dimensions of leadership, particularly highlighting the crucial importance of balance in the lives of modern women. “Learning to balance family and career is not just important for business success, it’s important for success in life,” she noted, serving as a powerful reminder that holistic well-being is an indispensable leadership imperative.

A passionate advocate for gender equity, Dr. Onyeali-Ikpe acknowledged the significant progress made within the financial sector, pointing out that 11 of Nigeria’s 26 commercial bank CEOs are now women. However, her call for further action was clear and resolute: “That’s progress, but we must not stop there. We want to see that number go to 14, 15, and beyond.”

The London Business School, globally renowned for nurturing future business leaders, boasts a vibrant Nigerian alumni community dedicated to fostering positive impact. Dr. Onyeali-Ikpe’s insightful conversation served as a potent reminder of the kind of leadership that truly drives transformative change—leadership that is visionary, courageous, and deeply rooted in purpose.

“I’m truly impressed by the quality of professionals in this network,” she expressed. “It’s refreshing and inspiring to see so many women leading with excellence.”

In his closing remarks, Akintayo Sanwo-Olu, President of the LBS Alumni Community in Nigeria, eloquently echoed the collaborative spirit of the gathering. “As a community, we’re not just talking about change—we’re building it. At LBS, we are committed to empowering more women to lead across industries and actively changing the narrative around gender and leadership.”

Indeed, in Dr. Nneka Onyeali-Ikpe, the London Business School Alumni Community found not just a distinguished speaker, but a powerful symbol of what is truly possible when women lead with unwavering vision and profound purpose.