It was an all glamorous and exquisite occasion at the Eko Hotel & Suites events hall as Fidelity Bank Nigeria Plc recently hosted crème de la crème guests at a dinner to celebrate its outgoing directors as well as welcome incoming directors to its board.
As guests arrived at the event, they were treated to a regal welcome on the red carpet as the Vintage band warmly ushered guests into the hall with an orchestral-like performance that soothed the ears of those who listened.
Anchored by the hosts with the most, gorgeous actress and singer, Bisola Aiyeola and dapper looking Nigerian music icon, Dare Art Alade were quite the pair as they thrilled guests with their wits and impressive hosting skills.
Addressing the audience at the event, the chief host and incumbent Managing Director of the bank, Mrs. Nneka Onyeali-Ikpe showed heartfelt gratitude on behalf of the organization’s management and staff to all the outgoing directors, especially her predecessor, Nnamdi Okonkwo and former Chairman, Ernest Ebi, MFR, for delivering to the new administration a sound system.
She said, “We would not be where we are today as an institution without the hard work and guidance of our outgoing board members. We are grateful for this as well as their continued support even after exiting the board.”
Welcoming the new board, Mrs. Nneka said, “Within the past one year, we have grown stronger as a bank and thoroughly served our stakeholders adequately thanks to our strong leadership structure.” She also assured the audience that Fidelity is poised to continue to provide the best financial services to its customers explaining, “At the beginning of the year, we announced our seven key imperatives that will guide our strategy to be a tier one Bank by 2025 and we are glad to announce that we are well on track. Just recently, we concluded a highly successful Eurobond offering, raising US $400 Million from the international capital markets.”
During the course of the event, some distinguished guests which includes directors who had served with the bank from as far back as 2012 were celebrated and awarded for their years of meritorious service. The certificates were presented by the incumbent MD of the bank, Nneka Onyeali-Ikpe and top African billionaire, Aliko Dangote, alongside other notable persons. Amongst them were Ernest Ebi MFR (former Chairman), Nnamdi Okonkwo (former Managing Director/CEO), Gbolahan Joshua (former Executive Director), Michael Okeke (former Non-Executive Director), Seni Adetu (former Non-Executive Director), Charles Umolu (former Non-Executive Director), Muhammed Balarabe (former Deputy Managing Director), Alex Ojukwu (former Non-Executive Director), Chijioke Ugochukwu (former Executive Director) and Aku Odinkemelu (former Executive Director).
Some notable dignitaries who were present at the dinner were top African billionaire, Alhaji Aliko Dangote, Chairman, Dangote Group; Kennedy Uzoka, GMD, United Bank of Africa, Senators Abdullahi Gumel and Bello Mandiya (who represented the Senate President, Senator Ahmed Lawan); Mrs. Bamidele Abiodun, First Lady of Ogun State, as well as Hajia Lami Fintiri, and Dr. Eunice Ortom, First Ladies of Adamawa and Benue States respectively, amongst others.
During the course of the event, guests were treated to exciting and electrifying performances by top Nigerian musical acts. Nigerian singing sensation, Chike thrilled guests with his sonorous voice in a sensational performance that was much to their delight, they were so much delighted when buzzing music artiste, Kizz Daniel was announced on stage to perform who as expected, brought the groove on as guests were on their feet to vibe and party with the superstar.
A spice of humour to crack the ribs of the audience was added to the highlights of the event as top Nigerian comic acts, Bovi Ugboma and Funny Bone had guests laughing hysterically to their ever hilarious stand up jokes.
There was an absolute change in scenery towards the conclusion of the event as so much energy and excitement filled the air when Nigerian superstar, Davido stormed the stage to close the show with a performance that sure brought the chills and thrills.
Guests screamed at the top of their voices and moved their body to the rhythm of the beat as the iconic singer gave an electrifying performance to seal off the eventful evening. And at the turn tables was popular street Disc Jockey, DJ Kaywise who served maximum energy and vibrations as he ushered guests into the after-party.
Checkout photo gallery below for the eventful evening.
