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Nigeria is diverse – in tribe, in people and in “doings.” This post is about high-profiled Nigerians who have held (or currently holding) international positions. And why not? These individuals have risen beyond conditional odds to put Nigeria amongst the forefronts – to do Nigeria proud. As you’ll get to see, these persons are really filling some of the most prestigious positions across the world.
[1] Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala.
Position: In March 2021, Madam Okonjo-Iweala began serving as the Director-General of the World Trade Organisation (WTO), becoming the first woman and first African to head the Organisation.
Previously, Dr Okonjo-Iweala was the Chair of the Board of Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance and was also on the boards of Standard Chartered PLC and Twitter Inc.
Background: Outside Madam Okonjo’s numerous board positions plus achievements is her husband, Dr. Ikemba Iweala, who is a neurosurgeon. Her marriage is blessed with four children and three grandchildren.
[2] Amina J. Muhammed
Position: Ms. Amina J. is currently the Deputy Secretary-General of the United Nations and Chair of the United Nations Sustainable Development Group. She assumed office as deputy to Antonio Guterres on February, 2017.
Personal Life: Amina Mohammed had her primary education in Capital School, Kaduna. She’s a mother of six. Mohammed’s daughter, Nadine Ibrahim, is a Nigerian film director.
[3] Akinwumi A. Adesina.
Position: Dr. Akinwumi is currently the President of the African Development Bank Group. He was first elected to the position on May, 2015 and was re-elected in 2020. Prior to this, Akinwumi A. Adesina had also served as Nigeria’s minister of Agriculture and rural development from 2011 to 2015.
Personal Life: Akinwumi was the first student to be awarded a First Class Honors Bachelors in Agricultural Economics from the University of Ife (now Obafemi Awolowo University).
[4] Bola Adesola.
Bola Adesola is one of the two Vice-Chairs of the Board of the United Nations Global Compact (UNGC) appointed in April, 2018. She is also the Senior Vice-Chairman at Standard Chartered Bank Group, Africa.
[5] Tijjani Muhammad Bande.
Tijjani Muhammad was the 74th President of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA). His term lasted from September 2019 to September 2020.
[6] Chile Eboe-Osuji.
The judges of the International Court of Justice (ICJ) elected Chile Eboe-Osuji as President of the Court for a three-year term in March 2018.
[7] Bukar Tijani.
Mr. Bukar Tijani was the FAO Assistant Director-General and Regional Representative for Africa, from December 2013 to October 2018.
[8] Akin Mabogunje.
Akin Mabogunje, a geographer from Nigeria, held the distinction of being the first African president of the International Geographical Union (1980-1984). Additionally, in 1999, he became the first African to be elected as a Foreign Associate of the United States National Academy of Sciences. His accomplishments further include being elected as a Foreign Honorary Member of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences in 2017, along with receiving the esteemed Vautrin Lud Prize.
Abdulbasit Toriola is an emerging voice in Nigerian cultural commentary and social analysis. From his corner in Lagos, he documents Nigerian history, current affairs, and explores the extraordinary journeys of Nigerians beating the odds. His works have been published on Africa Prime News and Opinion Nigeria. Connect with Abdulbasit on Twitter @blackboymusings for daily insights into Nigerian life and culture.
