She said Fidelity Bank has embraced technology as a strategic enabler of efficiency and growth.

Dr. Onyeali-Ikpe, stated this in her keynote address at the 17^th Africa’s Beacon of ICT Merit and Leadership lecture held over the weekend.

Represented by Mr. Stantley Amuchie, executive director at Fidelity, she said the bank have deployed AI driven systems in key areas of its operations.

“Our fraud detection systems leverage machine learning to identify unusual patterns and prevent losses in real time. Our credit assessment processes have been enhanced through data driven models that improve accuracy and speed.

“We have also invested in AI powered customer engagement platforms, including chatbots and digital assistants, which provide real-time support, improve customer experience and reduce operational pressure on our teams.

“Beyond internal operations, we are extending these benefits to our customers. Through our SME initiatives, we are providing entrepreneurs with digital tools such as POS systems and enterprise software that simplify accounting, inventory management, and business decision making, helping them operate more efficiently and scale sustainably,” she said.

On the Africa scene, she noted that banks across the continent are deploying AI to enhance fraud detection, improve credit assessment, and streamline customer onboarding processes, reducing costs and improving service delivery.

“Some have implemented AI driven systems that analyse transactions in real time, detect anomalies, and reduce operational risks, while others have leveraged digital assistants to manage customer interactions at scale, improving response time and freeing human capacity for higher value tasks.

“Across Kenya and South Africa, AI powered solutions are also supporting financial inclusion by enabling faster loan decisions and better risk management.

“The message is clear, Africa is not just a consumer of technology, we are active participants in shaping its future, she added.

She stated that efficiency is no longer optional, but a strategic imperative. “Organisations that fail to adopt intelligent systems will struggle with cost inefficiencies, slow decision making, and declining competitiveness. Those that embrace AI and IoT will operate faster, respond better, and deliver more value.

More so, she identified three key success factors from Fidelity bank experience, among which are, leadership commitment. Digital transformation must be driven from the top, with clear vision and sustained investment.

Second, data discipline. AI and IoT are only as effective as the data that powers them. Organisations must prioritise data quality, governance and security.

Third, talent and culture. Technology alone is not enough. People must be equipped with the skills and mindset to leverage these tools effectively.

Looking into the future, Dr. Onyeali-Ikpe posited, “we must recognize that the convergence of AI and IoT will accelerate. We will see smarter cities, intelligent supply chains, predictive healthcare, and more inclusive financial systems.”

“The question is no longer whether these technologies will shape our future, how prepared we are to harness them” he added.

On Monday, Enugu Air officially took to the skies. But its story began long before the ribbon-cutting, inside boardrooms, across tarmacs, and through countless shuttles between Enugu and Abuja.

At the center of it all: Governor Peter Mbah, a man determined to turn his state into Nigeria’s next aviation hub.

From the moment he took office, Mbah had made one thing clear, business as usual wouldn’t cut it. Even before Mr. Festus Keyamo, minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, could settle into his new role, the governor was already knocking.

“He was relentless,” Keyamo recalled during the grand launch. “Every week, he was in Abuja, pushing, pressing, determined. At one point, I asked, ‘Do you want Enugu to explode with progress?’”

Mbah’s unyielding pursuit paid off. With three Embraer jets, Enugu Air now connects the state to Lagos, Abuja, and soon, Port Harcourt, Kano, Owerri, Benin, and other major cities. And this is only phase one. Phase two? Africa. China. Europe. The U.S.

In Mbah’s own words:

“We are not stopping.”

Keyamo, who cut the ribbon beside the governor, didn’t mince words.

“Dr. Peter Mbah is an incredible, performing governor,” he said. “Though he’s PDP and I’m APC, we must speak the truth. If he continues like this, he’ll be very difficult to defeat in 2027. We’re already afraid.”

But the fanfare wasn’t just about politics, it was about purpose. For Governor Mbah, Enugu Air is a symbol of more than state pride.

It is a tool for development, job creation, connectivity, and investment.

“This airline isn’t just about flying,” he said. “It’s about opening Enugu to the world, creating faster, more reliable access to markets, clients, and capital. It’s a gateway to opportunity.”

The airline will be run by XEJet, a fully Nigerian-owned aviation company that already manages the national carrier for Sierra Leone. Their partnership, praised by the Minister as “a model for the Renewed Hope Agenda,” represents what Mbah calls “private-sector energy for public good.”

Beyond the airline, Mbah has plans for the airport itself. Even before Enugu Air took off, he approached the federal government about involving private investment in the management of Akanu Ibiam International Airport.

“He wasn’t content to wait for bureaucracy,” Keyamo said. “He wants Enugu’s airport to match global standards, and he’s making it happen.”

The event drew a wave of dignitaries, stakeholders, and citizens, each drawn by the rare blend of vision and velocity that has become the Mbah signature.

Dr. Nneka Onyeali-Ikpe, MD of Fidelity Bank, and Engr. Ayuba Emmanuel, CEO of XEJet, called the governor “a courageous, visionary leader,” pledging their continued support.

In a final flourish, the skies above Enugu filled with the roar of engines and the cheers of hopeful citizens. For many, it was a spectacle. For the governor, it was the start of something far more enduring.

“This is not the end,” Mbah said with a confident smile. “This is just the takeoff.”

The event was an avenue for African businesses to display their creativity and gain opportunities in the competitive tech industry.

Olatubosun Alake, Commissioner for Innovation, Science, and Technology in Lagos State, delivered a keynote speech on behalf of the State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu. Alake highlighted the commendable support Lagos State has provided to the technology and innovation industries, acknowledging the role of tech startups in driving economic growth and social development.

“This event celebrates the ingenuity and resilience that defines our people,” Alake said. He detailed the various initiatives by the Lagos State government, including the support of over 60 startups through the Lagos State Science Research and Innovation Council and facilitating investment for more than 30 startups.

Alake also mentioned the state’s efforts to support research and development projects in universities, noting examples such as medical research on jaundice and artificial intelligence for medical imaging. “Our job in government is to de-risk the research and development process to enable new products and services to be created and scaled,” he explained.

Representing the Managing Director and CEO of Fidelity Bank, Dr Nneka Onyeali-Ikpe, OON, the Executive Director and Chief Risk Officer, Kevin Ugwoke, presented another great keynote speech. Ugwoke spoke on Fidelity Bank’s focus on supporting the African startup industry. “Africa leads a rapidly growing tech sector, driven by a young, tech-savvy population and advancements in mobile technology,” he said.

He highlighted the bank’s initiatives to support micro, small, and medium-scale enterprises (MSMEs), including the VPN Platinum Award 2021 and the Bank’s sponsorship of the Top 100 Fastest Growing SMEs. Ugwoke also mentioned Fidelity Bank’s SME Mentorship Program, designed to facilitate networking and collaboration among entrepreneurs.

“Africa can be the home of emerging economic powerhouses,” Ugwoke asserted, “and Fidelity Bank is dedicated to supporting this potential through strategic partnerships and investments.”

Alake congratulated the participants of the Africa Pitch Battlegrounds, selected from a pool of 200 startups, stating, “Your success is a beacon of hope and inspiration. Let us continue to innovate with purpose and build a future where everyone has the opportunity to thrive.”

Giving the welcome address, Nnaemeka Clinton, Chief Innovation Officer of the Africa Technology Expo, pointed to the commendable growth and innovation within the African tech industry. Clinton noted, “From the wider tech landscape of the African continent to the busy hubs of Accra and Lagos, we have witnessed relentless innovation that is shaping our future.” 

He acknowledged the challenges faced by startups, including competition and the need for more support, but stressed the resilience and potential of African tech entrepreneurs.

Clinton encouraged collaboration and the sharing of successes and challenges, stating, “Our collective efforts will not only enhance our capabilities but also address critical issues facing our continent, leading to a more prosperous and inclusive future.” He highlighted the importance of local startups focusing on user experiences and functionality, with the goal of solving social problems in Africa.