Eminent Nigerians, foreigners to honour Ezekwesili at birthday symposium
Colleagues, foreign dignitaries and eminent Nigerians will honour Nigeria’s former Minister of Education, Dr Obiageli Ezekwesili, on her 60th birthday, coming up on Thursday, April 27, 2023, at the National Universities Commission Centre, Abuja.
The diamond jubilee of the former World Bank Vice President, Africa, which will be anchored by ace compere/comedian, Ali Baba, will be graced by President and Chief Executive Officer of Vital Voices Global Partnership, Alyse Nelson; President/founder, Women Political Leaders, Silvana Koch-Mehrin; and former Minister of Information and Communications, Frank Nweke, who was also Director General, Nigerian Economic Summit Group.
Also, to be in attendance are eminent Nigerians such as Founder and General Overseer, All Christians Fellowship Mission, Dr Williams Okoye; performance poet and author, Dike Chukwumerije; Founder, Streams of Joy International Church, Pastor Jerry Eze; strategist and author, Alero Ayida-Otobo; gospel artiste, Joan Ogohi; saxophonist, Temilayo Aboderin; Uche Okoro; Mercy Chinwo; Kenechi Ajayi; Deji Hassan; among others.
Speaking on expectations at the symposium, the celebrant’s spouse and Presiding Pastor, Glory Tabernacle, Chinedu Ezekwesili, stated that the event would chart a better path for women’s leadership, nation-building and good governance.
The overall theme of the symposium is ‘Obiageli “Oby” Ezekwesili: Celebrating a Life of Purpose and Impact.’
He said, “It is a great honour to see that well-meaning Nigerians are willing to collaborate with Oby Ezekwesili on her birthday to fulfil her vision of promoting women’s leadership, nation-building, humanitarian rights and her desire to develop a political class of servant-leaders, who are determined to change the Nigerian narrative for the better.
“I am glad that my wonderful spouse, Oby, is always keen on promoting nation-building initiatives, wherever she goes, as she understands the power of unity. She understands that Nigeria is a society of people with diverse origins, histories, languages, cultures and religions residing in the same geographical region and that it is by working together towards eradicating divisions of the past that will foster unity and promote national progress.”
The birthday symposium will also bring together Nigerians from all walks of life for an inter-generational conversation entitled ‘Obiageli “Oby” Ezekwesili: Character, Competence and Capacity – Celebrating a Life of Impact’ to be hosted by the School of Politics, Policy and Governance Alumni Association.
The conversation with mentees and SPPG alumni, which will involve women’s advocacy, academics, good governance, civil rights and nation-building policies, promises to be impactful and thrilling.
