When Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala was elected into the American Academy of Arts and Sciences in 2019, it was the icing to the cake of her numerous awards and recognitions that included being listed as one of the 50 Greatest World Leaders (Fortune, 2015), the Top 100 Most Influential People in the World (TIME, 2014), the Top 100 Global Thinkers (Foreign Policy, 2011 and 2012), the Top 100 Most Powerful Women in the World (Forbes, 2011, 2012, 2013 and 2014), the Top 3 Most Powerful Women in Africa (Forbes, 2012), the Top 10 Most Influential Women in Africa (Forbes, 2011), the Top 100 Women in the World (The Guardian, 2011), the Top 150 Women in the World (Newsweek, 2011), the Top 100 most inspiring people in the World Delivering for Girls and Women (Women Deliver, 2011). So, with all these accolades it was a rude shock when it was reported that her candidacy was being opposed by Egypt in favor of their own candidate as the head of the World Trade Organization (WTO). As I thought of this present impasse surrounding her prospects of becoming the head of the WTO, I saw one of the reasons why as Africans, we are where we are today among the comity of nations. It also reminded me why Nigeria is also experiencing her present predicaments.
Nigeria is led by an all-powerful president who could not find his certificate and a powerless professor whose certificates are certified. The manifestation of this malfeasance is the reality we have on ground where there is a total breakdown in all that makes a nation peaceful and prosperous. And this trend will continue if we do not get our acts right. The prosperity and sustainability of any organization or nation is directly proportional to the competence of her leaders. If we continue to select and elect reformed Hishpuppis and friends of terrorists to lead us, then we should not expect a peaceful and corruption-free nation. We know the antecedents of the present individuals jostling to succeed Buhari, yet we spend our time, data, and energy defending and absolving them of past or present complexities. For once let be sincere with ourselves. Supporting those who have used public funds to enrich themselves and empower their children who fly private jets even during lockdowns is the height of slavery. These are the so-called leaders who continue to approve loans that will be shared among themselves mortgaging your children’s future.
The indebtedness that Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala helped us to wipe out by spearheading negotiations with the Paris Club of Creditors that led to the forgiveness of $30 billion of Nigeria’s debt, has returned back to us with a vengeance in less than a decade of Buhari’s leadership. If we truly want a prosperous and peaceful Nigeria, we will have a candidate like Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala as president and someone like Akinwunmi Adesina as vice president. But we do not want peace even though bandits, kidnappers, and herdsmen ravage our nation. We do not want prosperity even though we pray for it in churches and mosques. Because if we genuinely want peace and prosperity you would not find this administration having the number of Nigerians who still defend their gross incompetence everywhere, especially on social media. In this age where there is a dearth of role models, Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala is a role model emeritus and a definition of who a feminist should be. Someone who has conquered all spheres of life, yet still humble and continually extending ancient and modern landmarks. Her career achievements speak louder than a million feminist bloggers can articulate. Her life as a mother and wife to her neurosurgeon husband is a testament to what womanhood is all about. The success of her children and overall accomplishments earns her the title of Superwoman. Towncryyers greet her sincerely and specially. And we wish her exceeding exploits in her next pursuits.
Ata Ukuta, Editor – www.towncryyers.com