Okonjo-Iweala stopped me from ‘Japa’, says ex-aviation minister

Former Minister of Aviation Osita Chidoka has shared a personal account of how Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, the Director-General of the World Trade Organization, convinced him not to emigrate from Nigeria during a period of significant political disillusionment. Chidoka revealed this at a book presentation, marking the first public disclosure of Okonjo-Iweala's influence on his decision to stay.

Chidoka explained that after the intense political activities surrounding the 2019 elections, which involved reconciling prominent figures and serving as the PDP's principal witness at the Presidential Election Tribunal, he felt exhausted and disappointed. This led him to consider relocating, spending time with his wife in the United States where she was pursuing her PhD, and contemplating international career opportunities or returning to his former employer, ExxonMobil.

His resolve to leave was further tested by a judicial decision in early 2020 that deepened his frustration. Despite having previously rejected international offers to build a political career in Nigeria, the setbacks made him reconsider his path. He sought advice from Okonjo-Iweala, whom he considered a mentor since her time as Minister of Finance when he was Corps Marshal of the Federal Road Safety Corps.

During their meeting at Gavi in Washington, DC, Chidoka expressed his readiness to pursue opportunities outside Nigeria. Okonjo-Iweala listened and advised, "Osita, Nigeria needs people like you. Do not allow life’s inevitable setbacks to define your choices. Go back to Nigeria. Stay in the trenches. Don’t give up." Chidoka stated that while this was not the immediate advice he wanted, it was precisely what he needed. He returned to Abuja, reflecting on her words, which ultimately shaped his subsequent life and career decisions.

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Osita, Nigeria needs people like you. Do not allow life’s inevitable setbacks to define your choices. Go back to Nigeria. Stay in the trenches. Don’t give up.