Beyond her reputation as a respected Nigerian economic policy expert and advocate for transparency accountability and good governance, Oby Ezekwesili stands out as one of Africa’s most influential voices for women and the girl child.
Born on 28 April 1961, Ezekwesili has built a trailblazing career marked by courage intellect and public service. She is a co founder of Transparency International a former Vice President of the World Bank for the Africa region and a two time Federal Minister in Nigeria. Over the years she has earned a reputation for speaking truth to power and holding leaders accountable.
As a committed anti corruption campaigner Ezekwesili played a key role in reforms in public financial management extractive sector governance and education systems in Nigeria. Her work has consistently focused on strengthening institutions and ensuring that public resources serve the people.
Education has remained central to her advocacy. She has persistently championed Universal Basic Education girl child education and teacher training. Through this sustained effort she has become widely recognised as a leading advocate for education as a tool for empowerment particularly for girls.
Ezekwesili is also a strong force in women empowerment. Beyond advocating girls’ education she has promoted women’s leadership across various platforms encouraging greater female participation in decision making at political economic and social levels. Her advocacy extends to economic empowerment where she has supported initiatives aimed at enhancing women’s financial independence.
A firm believer in financial inclusion Ezekwesili has argued that improved access to finance is critical for women entrepreneurs. She has also consistently supported job creation policies and programmes that expand women’s participation in the economy. In addition her policy advocacy has focused on reforms that protect women’s economic rights while promoting skills development and training in key sectors.
Fearless and outspoken Ezekwesili has never shied away from addressing gender related challenges confronting women in Nigeria and beyond. Through her unwavering commitment to girls’ education women’s leadership and social justice she has emerged as a true champion for women whose impact speaks louder than words.
Her contributions have earned her global recognition including the Forbes Woman Africa Social Influencer Award in 2019 for her role in the Bring Back Our Girls campaign inclusion in the BBC 100 Women list in 2013 and 2014 Time Magazine’s 100 Most Influential People in 2015 the New York Times 25 Women of Impact in 2015 a Nobel Peace Prize nomination in 2018 and the Gage Awards Social Movement Campaign of the Year in 2024 for Bring Back Our Girls.
Ezekwesili’s work in girls’ education women’s leadership and the fight against corruption has left a lasting imprint on society. A vocal critic of corruption and poor governance she contested the Nigerian presidency in the 2019 general election further demonstrating her commitment to national transformation.
Today Oby Ezekwesili remains an active influential and principled voice in Nigerian and African socio political discourse continuing to inspire reform advocate justice and amplify the voices of women and girls across the continent.
