Nweke Jr succeeds Ezekwesili as #FixPolitics chair

Tributes pour in for founder as initiative welcomes new leadership

Nigeria’s former Minister of Information, Frank Nweke II, has replaced Dr Obiageli Ezekwesili as the Chairperson of the #FixPolitics Initiative.

While welcoming the new leadership, the initiative honoured Ezekwesili for her vision and dedication in founding and leading the organisation.

The Executive Director, #FixPolitics Africa, Anthony Ubani, announced the successful handover after Ezekwesili’s dedicated four-year tenure. The leadership transition ceremony, which took place on Saturday, November 9, 2024 marked a new chapter in the organisation’s leadership and history. 

In a statement sequel to the handover, #FixPolitics noted, “Consistent with her well-known values-based leadership style, Dr Ezekwesili had earlier announced her intention to step down in November, which is the fourth anniversary of the #FixPolitics Movement she founded in November 2020. True to her words, she stepped down and handed over to Frank Nweke II.”

The Co-Chair of #FixPolitics WSG 2 and Vice Chancellor of the School of Policy, Politics, and Governance, Alero Otobo, stated, “Dr Ezekwesili is a beacon of hope, a symbol of courage and integrity. We are deeply grateful for her leadership.”

The Coordinating Co-Chair for #FixPolitics Communications and Media, Mary Ikoku, remarked, “We are immensely grateful for Dr. Ezekwesili’s pioneering spirit and selfless dedication. We warmly welcome Nweke and look forward to his leadership in furthering our mission.”

Ezekwesili served as Minister of Solid Minerals (2005-2006) and later Minister of Education (2006-2007) under President Olusegun Obasanjo’s civilian regime in the wake of Nigeria’s Fourth Republic. She was also Vice President of the World Bank.

In a meeting with the board members, Work Study Group members and staff of #FixPolitics, Ezekwesili, in a heartfelt address, expressed gratitude for the opportunity given her to serve as the pioneer chairperson and highlighted the significant milestones achieved during her tenure as board chair. She acknowledged the individual and collective efforts of the board, WSG members, staff and partners, whose contributions were instrumental in driving the #FixPolitics mission forward.

Nweke, in his acceptance speech, thanked and poured encomia on the outgoing chairperson, expressed optimism about the future of #FixPolitics and thanked the WSG members and staff of #FixPolitics. He assured them of coming back after studying the handover notes fully, to speak more comprehensively about his vision and priorities for the future. 

He promised to work seamlessly with the different administrative, governance and leadership structures and organs in #FixPolitics to build upon the strong foundation laid by his predecessor and further strengthen #FixPolitics’ impact in Nigeria and Africa. 

Speaking on behalf of the various WSGs, the coordinating co-chairs of the three #FixPolitics WSGs celebrated the accomplishments of the outgoing chairperson and welcomed her successor, Nweke, with elation and anticipation. They assured the new chairman of their steadfast commitment and readiness to work with him to take #FixPolitics to the next level of success and impact.

The WSG members took the opportunity to pour out heartfelt tributes to Ezekwesili and her leadership.

Tosin Sosanya said, “Thank you so much Dr Oby for not just talking about the problems but going to championing a remarkable course of action. Thank you for renewing our confidence and I am personally inspired to do more and be more for Africa.”

Thanking Ezekwesili for her “incredible leadership and vision”, Adebola Williams added, Your time has been defined by grit, passion, erudite leadership, humility and remarkable patience in building the foundation for progress. Your highly strategic thinking has been a beacon for us all. We are deeply grateful for the impact you made and for your dedication to advancing the cause of Nigeria. You led with grace and purpose, and we’re excited for the continued growth and success under your guidance.

“A brilliant transition indeed! We are thrilled to welcome the incoming chair Uncle Frank, and we do not doubt that his legacy will be excellent.”

Emeka Okoye, Edith Yassin, Abiola Awosika, Bimbo Oyedokun, Dominic Obozuwa, Adekunle Jinadu and other members thanked Ezekwesili for her selfless service to humanity and for being an inspiration to many generations of Nigerians.

Responding, Ezekwesili expressed deep gratitude to all members for their heartfelt tributes, reflecting on her journey and the collective effort of the group. She acknowledged the roles various individuals played and prayed for the continued success of #FixPolitics. 

Speaking at the ceremony, Ubani described the event as “a remarkable, commendable and exemplary demonstration of values-based leadership, good corporate governance and sound democratic principles.” He described the outgoing chairperson’s four-year tenure as “courageous, forthright, visionary and impactful.” 

#FixPolitics is a citizens-led, research-based movement designed to structurally change and innovate politics in Africa. Its vision is an African continent where politics is inclusive, the needs of citizens prioritised and democratic principles respected, such that good governance becomes the norm.