I have been having a great time at the ongoing 42nd Annual Accountants Conference. I am not very sure what my exact expectations were but I can assure you that they have all been surpassed.
Yesterday, I listened to more great minds. The likes of Femi Falana – the indefatigable activist, Sanusi Lamido Sanusi – the very controversial Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (One of his numerous ‘haters’ referred to Him as the Emir of CBN), Victor Osibodu – the Chairman CEO of Vigeo Holdings, Wole Oba – KPMG Partner, Obiageli Ezekwesili – the former Vice President for Africa at the World Bank amongst others.
Listening to Mrs Oby Ezekwesili was inspiring, to say the least. The focus of her discussion was the plan by the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN), the conveners of the conference, to sponsor a Whistle-Blowing bill to the Nigerian Legislature, as a way of supporting the fight against the systemic corruption that is ravaging our dear country.
I am not going to major on the content of her presentation which was brilliant, but on the way she went about it. She talked for about twenty minutes without reading or looking down on any prepared speech notes. She was erudite in her presentation, graceful in our carriage, debonair in her looks and confident in her delivery.She didn’t just dance round the subject but she made very useful suggestions that will drive the next steps of the Institute on this matter. I was impressed.
Popularly referred to as Madam Due Process, she made a name for herself while serving in the Obasanjo Administration as the one who championed transparency and probity in the Public service. She also left her huge footprints in the Educational Sector while serving as the Minister of Education. Little wonder she was quickly snapped up by the World Bank afterwards. Interestingly, I only realized yesterday that she is also a qualified Accountant. What a woman.
Oby Ezekwesili is a shining example of what the girl-child can achieve. Are you a girl out there who thinks it is all over? That you can’t achieve anything?. Find some inspiration from our Stars in Africa, Oby Ezekwesili. She has shown that with a passion for excellence, a deep love for acquiring knowledge and heart-felt dedication to making a difference, you can also stand out and achieve great things wherever you find yourself.
Before you go, who are the other African women that inspire you? Share with us in the comments section below.
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