Fidelity Bank Plc has honoured Mr Azeez Kunle Akinbode as the top performer of its 2017 Fidelity Crest Academy cohort, following the conclusion of the bank’s three-month intensive leadership and professional development programme.

The recognition was announced at a closing ceremony in Lagos, where the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Mr Nnamdi Okonkwo, presented Akinbode with an award acknowledging his performance during the training.

The Fidelity Crest Academy programme, which serves as the bank’s internal capacity-building platform, is designed to prepare emerging professionals for leadership roles within the financial sector. Participants undergo rigorous instruction in banking operations, credit management, financial analysis, product development, and performance analytics.

Akinbode distinguished himself among 39 participants drawn from various regions of the country, achieving the highest overall score across all modules.

Presenting the award, Mr Okonkwo said Akinbode’s achievement demonstrated the culture of excellence and innovation that Fidelity Bank continues to promote.

“His performance reflects the spirit of resilience, innovation, and excellence that defines Fidelity’s people,” he stated.

Akinbode received a cash prize from the Managing Director and commendation gifts from several departments of the bank in recognition of his analytical skills, consistency, and results-driven approach.

Executive Director of Shared Services and Products, Mrs Chijioke Ugochukwu, said the outcome of the 2017 cohort underscored the success of the bank’s leadership development strategy.

“Akinbode’s success shows that our model for nurturing talent is working. We are proud of the quality of professionals the Fidelity Crest Academy continues to produce for the banking industry,” she said.

Speaking after the ceremony, Akinbode expressed gratitude for the recognition and reflected on the lessons gained from the experience.

“I’m humbled by this acknowledgment. Competing with talented colleagues taught me perseverance and the value of continuous learning. This experience has strengthened my commitment to professional growth and service,” he said.

Established as part of Fidelity Bank’s broader strategy to strengthen its human capital, the Crest Academy has become a central platform for employee learning and leadership development. The 2017 cohort, officials said, reaffirms the bank’s long-term commitment to building a skilled workforce capable of driving innovation and growth in Nigeria’s financial sector.