Congratulations Mrs Ngozi Okonjo

On the 7th of June, AfricanLoft featured Mrs Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala as a woman of substance and worthy of note, see link .

Very true, for Mrs Okonjo-Iweala has done Nigeria proud when she was yesterday named a Managing Director with the World Bank by Robett Zoelick, president of the bank. Please see excerpts of this good news as reported in the Vanguard, one of Nigeria’s top newspapers:

“In her new position, the former minister will have responsibility for the World Bank in Africa, South Asia, and Europe and Central Asia regions. She will also take oversight responsibility for Human Resources. Her appointment is effective December 1, 2007.
Mr. Zoellick in a statement posted on the bank’s website said, “Ngozi brings a unique set of skills and experience to the World Bank Group. As an outstanding Minister of Finance and Foreign Minister in Nigeria, Ngozi helped lead the country’s reform programme on issues of fiscal prudence, transparency of government accounts, good governance, and anti-corruption.

“She led Nigeria’s quest for debt relief which had helped her country obtain an unprecedented $18 billion write-off from the Paris Club. Ngozi was also instrumental in helping Nigeria obtain its first ever Sovereign Credit rating (of BB minus) from Fitch and Standard & Poor’s. She is an internationally respected world leader. In addition, she knows the World Bank Group well from her 21 years of service. Her commitment to the developing world is unparalleled. I am delighted she has accepted to join my senior team.”

AfricanLoft joins all progressive Nigerians in congratulating Mrs Okonjo-Iweala on this well deserved appointment. You have done Nigeria proud ma’am, and on behalf of the womenfolk, I also join in wishing you a very successful tenure in office. Congratulations! Nigeria needs people like you to rebuild and restore her good name. WELL DONE. May the good Lord guide you in this worthy achievement. Nigeria looks up to you ma’am.