Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala has been listed as one of the eight Transparency International “Anti-Corruption fighters”. She is the only Nigerian and the second African to make the list.
According to Transparency International, the women listed are:
“… setting a positive example, showing that women are not only victims of corruption, but also key players in the struggle against it.”
According to Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala on Twitter:
“Transparency International has today recognized eight female anti corruption fighters who inspire them!
Thanks TI for this wonderful recognition. Proud and grateful to be one of the eight!”
On the qualities of Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala , Transparency International stated:
“As an economist focusing on development, Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala is known and respected throughout the world. She put her expertise to use during a 25-year career at the World Bank, where she worked with Transparency International founder Peter Eigen and eventually rose to managing director.
In politics — where she was the first woman to serve as both minister of foreign affairs and minister of finance — and elsewhere, she has dedicated a big part of her life to cleaning up corruption in her home country.
‘No one can fight corruption for Nigerians except Nigerians. Everyone has to be committed from the top to the bottom to fight it.’ — Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala
Her fierce campaigning against corruption also made Okonjo-Iweala and her family a target. Opponents have frequently tried to damage her reputation by spreading rumours that cast doubts about her integrity. In 2012, her 83-year-old mother was even kidnapped, likely in retaliation of her daughter’s work against fraudulent fuel subsidy claims in Nigeria. Luckily, she was released after a few days.
Okonjo-Iweala describes this and other episodes in her book Fighting Corruption is Dangerous, published last year. It is a testimony to the struggle of those that fight and report corruption, and a message of hope encouraging them to not give up, just like she never did.”
Others who appeared on the list include:
- Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (AOC)
- Claudia Escobar
- Robtel Neajai Pailey
- Khadija Ismayilova
- Soledad Jarquín
- Ana Garrido Ramos
- All the women at Transparency International
