Igbo cultural code of freedom has made Igbo women unstoppable. They strive and strive and make things happen. Today we bring you a list of some who are making waves in the world.
- Ngozi Okonjo Iweala.
She is the first African to rise to the number 2 position in the World Bank. Not satisfied, she ran for World Bank president a few years ago. She lost, but her boldness won her new fans.
Ngozi Okonjo Iweala has held several high profile posts. She came to the limelight when then President Obasanjo appointed her as Finance Minister. In that post, she successfully negotiated an $18 billion debt forgiveness for Nigeria. She also served as Foreign Minister.
Ngozi Okonjo Iweala returned to her post as Finance Minister under President Goodluck led the Jonathan.
She was given the added role of Coordinating Minister for the Economy. She led the repurposing of Nigeria’s GDP. As a result Nigeria’s economy surpassed that of South Africa and became the biggest in Africa.
Since leaving government she has been appointed to high profile private roles. For instance, she is a board member of Bill Gates charity, GAVI.
President Muhammadu Buhari has also nominated her as Nigeria’s candidate for the presidency of the World Trade Organization.
- Sandy Okoro
She doubles as Senior Vice President and General Counsel at the World Bank. She is another Igbo woman the young ones should learn from.
- Obiageli Ezekwesili
Obiageli Ezekwesili needs no introduction. She first became prominent when she was appointed as the powerful Federal official in charge of financial Due Process by then President Obasanjo. She gained a reputation as an anti-corruption giant in that office.
She is a former Vice President of the World Bank. She co-founded the global watchdog Transparency International. She also cofounded the #BringBackOurGirls movement.
Ezekwesili ran for president of Nigeria in 2019 through her Red Card Movement.
Even her critics respect her as an astute intellectual and fearless activist.
- Arunma Oteh
Arunma Oteh is another Igbo woman who has served as Vice President of the World Bank. She was also its Treasurer.
Arunma In that capacity, managed the World Bank’s US$200 billion debt portfolio. She also managed an asset portfolio of almost US$200bn for the World Bank Group and 65 external clients, including central banks, pension funds and sovereign wealth funds.
