Obiageli Ezekwesili: Child of the republic in 63 voices

Dr Catherine Obiageli Ezekwesili is the human equivalent of Nigeria’s attainment of nationhood. But, born on 28 April 1963, fewer than six months before the country’s emergence as a republic on 1 October her life and times contrast with Nigeria’s trajectory.

In terms of growth, focused leadership and self-awareness, the baby girl who was born as the republic’s age-mate has left the country behind. Perhaps, peeved by the nation’s sluggish development, Madam Oby, as she has come to be known, has been doing all in her power to lift her country to a respectable position in the comity of nations.

Apart from the symbolic and specific features of Nigeria’s independence, the country’s 63 years as a republic can only serve as a backdrop when juxtaposed with who and what Ezekwesili has achieved and represents.

Nigeria became a republic on October 1, 1963, after its political independence from British colonial rule on October 1, 1960. This development replaced Queen Elizabeth II (now late) as head of state with a ceremonial President, the late Dr Nnamdi Azikiwe.

That republic year birthed babies who grew to become prominent in various fields of endeavour. In the banking sector is Tony Elumelu; in sports are Hakeem Olajuwon, Peter Rufai and Henry Nwosu; in politics is Akinwumi Ambode; in academia is Prof Ozo-Mekuri Ndimele. To cap the list is Dr Obiageli Ezekwesili, former Vice President of the World Bank (Africa region) and co-founder of the #BringBackOurGirls campaign.

Call them ‘children of the republic’, you are also right. This year, one special and punny aspect of their ages is that they are repeating their year of birth with their ages. Born in 1963, they are celebrating 63 years.

In Nigeria, ‘children of the republic’ are outstanding. Resilience and high-flying are characteristics of these children, and Madam Oby embodies all. That set forms the foundation upon which national aspirations are built, often displaying high levels of talent and ambition amid limited opportunities.

In a country where the girl-child constitutes a significant proportion of out-of-school children, Ezekwesili faithfully pursued her education from primary and secondary through tertiary institutions. After graduating with a bachelor’s degree from the prestigious University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN), she went on to acquire master’s degrees in International Law and Diplomacy, as well as Public Administration from the University of Lagos and the Harvard Kennedy School at Harvard University, respectively.

Having acquired the necessary education and training, Ezekwesili began a career that demonstrated her high moral standing and integrity. As a chartered accountant and public policy analyst, her stint at the World Bank (Africa region), where she served as Vice President, provided her with the experience she needed to navigate the intricate course of public service and advocacy.

Through her work in advocacy, she has come to represent many things to many people. Her role in introducing transparency in the Nigeria Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (NEITI) and the Debt Management Office (DMO), where she earned the alias ‘Madam Due Process’, established her as an upright leader and a good example of what to expect from public officers.

It is, therefore, not surprising that Madam Due Process is a co-founder and founding director of Transparency International. Through her advocacy for citizen inclusiveness via the Office of the Citizen and the Red Card Movement, Ezekwesili advanced the idea of awakening Nigeria and Nigerians from docility.

Moreover, the experience garnered from that public enlightenment helped to shape her mind towards the founding of the wave-making #FixPolitics initiative and the establishment of the School of Politics, Policy and Governance (SPPG).

The Bible says that from the mouth of two or more witnesses, the truth is established. Consequently, the best way to know who Ezekwesili is and what she represents is to read the lips of men and women whose paths have crossed with hers:

“Our story with Mama Oby began in the late 2000s, when a young student at Loyola Jesuit College — bold enough to write to a senior government official — sent her an invitation to speak at his school. She did not have to respond. Most would not have. But she came. That singular act of grace towards a ‘lowly’ youngster was not an exception for Mama Oby; it is Mama Oby. Like God, she is no respecter of persons. Whether speaking truth to power or nurturing the youth, she treats everyone with love and truth, regardless of their standing in society.

“What makes Mama Oby rare is not only what she has built, but who she pours into. In a generation where many older leaders dim the light of the young, she holds her life out as a lampstand — that the light might shine further than she could carry it alone. She is, in the truest sense, a spiritual mother: one who, like the Proverbs 31 woman, opens her mouth with wisdom and on her tongue is the law of kindness. She births vision in young Nigerians and asks nothing in return but that they become. At 63, Mama Oby remains Africa’s most faithful steward of the future. Happy birthday, Mama Oby.”

“Dr Obiageli Ezekwesili is one of the rare Nigerians whose life has become an argument for what leadership should be: courageous, principled, competent, and deeply accountable. My experience working closely with her as the pioneer Executive Director of the #FixPolitics Movement, which she founded, has shown me that she is not merely interested in criticising broken systems; she is committed to building alternatives. She demands excellence, insists on integrity and constantly reminds everyone around her that citizenship is not a spectator sport.

“For me, her greatest influence is the way she has turned conviction into institution. Many people speak about reform; she builds platforms that train reformers, challenge power and awaken citizens. At 63, Ezekwesili remains a moral force, a teacher, builder, a mentor and a relentless believer in the possibility of a better Nigeria and a better Africa. Her legacy is not only in the offices she has held, but in the people she continues to shape, the systems she continues to challenge, and the courage she continues to model.”

You nourish and provide shelter

You release the nutrients needed by those who feed from your fruits.

You are now making forests of trees of righteousness.

“You truly are a remarkable woman with a heart to build great initiatives that have a monumental impact. You have such a deep love for our God, your family, and country. May God continue to honour your heart to serve and transform nations. You are in a class all by yourself. Wishing you an unforgettable year!”