IN SHORT

Coming from a family that had lost everything during the Civil War, Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala rose to become a leading figure in global economic policy. As Minister of Finance for Nigeria, she was a major force in helping the country climb out of debt to become the strongest economy in Africa. Her remarkable commitment to Nigeria and its people can be traced back to her father’s belief that serving one’s country is the highest honour and the best application of knowledge. “I have used my mind to try and help my country by working through the right policies.”