By Alhaji Mohammed Ajia, Ibrahim As we commemorate my beloved “mum” Ms. Arunma Oteh’s 60th birthday, I am overcome with gratitude and respect for a woman whose life has been a beacon of excellence, hope, resilience, and integrity.She is seen by the world as a leader with significant influence, a pioneer in international finance, and a champion for economic reform.
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She is much more to me than that; she is a mother, a mentor, a teacher, and a guide whose impact has greatly influenced both my journey and the journeys of many others. The life of Ms. Arunma Oteh is proof of what is possible with perseverance, hard effort, and vision. Her academic career started at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, where she earned a first-class honours degree in computer science. She was born in Kano, Nigeria.
After that, she advanced to the highest levels of school, graduating from Harvard Business School with an MBA. These were the first steps towards a career that would change Nigeria, Africa, and the globe forever. Her distinguished career includes decades of service in organisations such as FSD Africa, the World Bank, and the African Development Bank (AfDB). She advanced through the ranks at AfDB, taking on important positions including Vice President for Corporate Management and Treasurer.
Her leadership and experience transformed obstacles into opportunities, opening the door for long-term financial prosperity throughout the continent. Ms. Oteh was given the enormous responsibility of serving as the Director-General of the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) in 2009. Nigeria’s capital market was going through a rough patch, but she met the challenge with unrivalled tenacity.
Her changes eliminated long-standing wrongdoing, regained investor trust, and established a strong basis for long-term prosperity. She faced strong interests that aimed to thwart advancement, thus her leadership was not without opposition. She overcame these obstacles, however, with unwavering dedication, integrity, and the help of leaders who shared her vision for change, leaving behind a revitalised and reformed capital market.
Ms. Oteh’s international prominence was further highlighted in 2015 when she was appointed Vice President and Treasurer of the World Bank. She was a prime example of financial skill, managing a $200 billion debt portfolio and advising pension funds, central banks, and sovereign wealth funds. In addition to her technical expertise, she supported inclusive economic policies that helped marginalised communities and emerging markets.
Beyond the figures, her legacy at the World Bank is a tale of transformational leadership and persistent dedication to uplifting others. Despite her enormous professional achievements, Ms. Oteh’s unique personal touch is what makes her stand out. She has been a mother to me and many others, offering direction, inspiration, and steadfast support. Her guidance has served as a compass in my life, instilling in me the virtues of honesty, diligence, and service.
She is unmatched in her capacity to develop potential and encourage excellence. She has cultivated a generation of leaders under her tutelage who are currently making significant contributions in Nigeria, Africa, and other places. People of various backgrounds can relate to Ms. Oteh’s experience. She is a living example of the idea that our decisions, not our past, determine our destiny. Her life serves as a source of inspiration for anyone aiming to succeed and overcome obstacles.
As one of Forbes’ “Africa’s 50 Most Powerful Women,” an Officer of the Order of the Niger (OON), and a recipient of the “Distinction In Public Service” award, Ms. Oteh is praised for her accomplishments as well as the principles she upholds: honesty, fortitude, and excellence in service. Her latest book, “All hand on deck,” is currently one of Amazon’s top sellers. I honour Ms. Arunma Oteh on this momentous occasion of her 60th birthday for her incalculable contributions to Nigeria, Africa, and the globe at large.
I pay tribute to her because of the lives she has impacted, the systems she has changed, and the legacy she is leaving behind. Your accomplishments are evidence of quality, your mentorship is a gift to all of us, and your life is an inspiration, Ms. Oteh.
I hope you continue to be blessed, stay healthy, and have the fortitude to keep shining your light on the globe as you commemorate this milestone. With sincere appreciation and affection Ajia is a politician and security specialist who serves as president and CEO of Funab Group of Companies Ltd.
