By Yemisi Suleiman
Dr. Nneka Onyeali-Ikpe, OON, is the trailblazing MD/CEO of Fidelity Bank, who has shattered glass ceilings and defied conventions to become one of the most respected leaders in the Nigerian banking industry.
As she celebrates a milestone birthday, turning 60, last week, the darling wife of Dr. Ken Onyeali-Ikpe and dotting mother, opens up to Allure about her remarkable life’s journey, sharing insights about her career path, the challenges she’s faced, and her unwavering commitment to promoting female inclusivity and addressing gender issues in corporate organisations.
Packed with wealth of experience, she stands as an inspiration to women everywhere, a proof that with determination and hard work, anything is possible.
How does it feel to have reached this milestone age of 60?
I feel elated and deeply grateful to God for His grace upon my life.
What are your thoughts on aging and wisdom?
I think it is a blessing to age gracefully and to be surrounded by your loved ones. Aging also gives one the benefit of reflection on past events and seeing things in retrospect.
Moving forward, life at 60; what would you be doing more now?
I look forward to impacting more lives and grooming the next generation of leaders.
What would you say life has taught you?
Life has taught me many lessons, one of which is that one can not stop learning. I’ve also come to realise that one should always have a grateful disposition no matter the situation.
Looking back, what are some of your proudest achievements?
There are several milestones I’m very grateful for especially when we accomplish any of our objectives in the bank. I’m also delighted at seeing the progress in the lives of my loved ones.
Tell us a bit about your growing up, what was it like for you?
Growing up for me was fun. I was fortunate to grow up in a warm environment with my parents and siblings. I have fond recollections of childhood experiences.
What values did society uphold that shaped your early life?
The values of integrity, hardwork and perseverance played a huge role in my upbringing; and I still live by these principles.
Did the girl child enjoy the kind of support that today’s girls enjoy?
I think we have come a long way in empowering the girl child. I think we are beginning to accept that our daughters can also be all they can be if we provide them with the necessary support.
How did your early life shape your career choices?
The values I imbibed in my youth certainly played a key role in helping me to make work-related decisions. My decision to study for a Law degree, for instance, was informed in no small part by my affinity for analysis and critical thinking, a hobby I picked up in my early years.
What inspired you to pursue a career in banking?
My interest in banking was spurred by my devotion to provide solutions that can accelerate and grow businesses.
How did your career in fidelity Bank begin? What were your early days like?
I joined Fidelity Bank as Executive Director, Lagos and SouthWest Directorate in January 2015 with a lot of expectations from the board of directors. I’m grateful that within a short period, my team and I were able to achieve a turnaround of fortunes of the directorate and return it to profitability.
We set the directorate on a path of growth and expansion that it had not witnessed before. We also changed the culture by introducing excellence and the culture of hardwork.
What challenges have you faced as a woman in the corporate sector?
It’s simply the need to prove yourself over and over again; to continue to deliver when the set parameters are not the same.
How have you navigated gender bias and stereotypes in your career?
As with every stereotype, one gets judged before you even have the opportunity to speak or perform. What I do is to let my results speak for me.
What initiatives have you implemented to promote women’s inclusion in the bank?
At Fidelity Bank, we cultivate a culture of inclusivity and diversity, ensuring that all employees have equal opportunities for career growth and leadership, regardless of gender. Currently, our workforce is composed of 50.2% women and 49.8% men. At the board level, we maintain a gender representation of 29% women and 71% men. We also ensure that we make gender parity an active conversation in all our discussions in the bank.
Were there men who encouraged your growth or was it favourable corporate gender policies that helped you?
It was a combination. I had fantastic male mentors who saw my talent and advocated for me. But strong policies like maternity leave also made a huge difference, allowing women to excel both professionally and personally.
What lessons have you learned along the way?
Every major decision or negotiation involved its own hurdles. I learned to trust my gut, build strong teams, and celebrate wins along the way. For me the biggest lesson is to never stop learning and adapting. The financial world is constantly evolving, and so must its leaders.
How did you overcome them?
I learned to trust my gut, build strong relationships and take up issues to the Lord in prayer.
How do you maintain a work-life balance?
Balance is an ongoing pursuit. Setting boundaries, delegating effectively, and scheduling time for myself are key. It’s not always perfect, but it’s vital for my well-being.
What are your hobbies and interests outside of work?
When I’m not cooking you may find me rendering business advise. I’m also actively involved in community development efforts.
How do you prioritise self-care and wellness?
I try to eat healthy and connect with loved ones. I also take care to prioritise my mental health and try not to worry about issues. I’ve come to realise that once I commit an issue to the Lord in prayer, I’m able to sleep soundly.
What advice do you have for younger women aspiring to leadership positions?
Believe in yourself, be prepared to work hard, and don’t be afraid to take calculated risks. Find mentors, build strong relationships, and remember – collaboration is key to success.
What’s next for you in this new chapter of your life?
I’d continue to focus on mentoring future generations of leaders and giving back to the community. I look forward to exploring new activities and helping our customers scale their businesses.