Stella Okotete: The Young Amazon Tipped as Women Affairs Minister
By Fom Gyem
In a significant move towards gender inclusivity and youth representation, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, has nominated Stella Okotete to become one of his new Ministers. At 39 years-old, Okotete’s nomination marks a milestone in Nigerian politics, as she brings a wealth of experience, dedication to human rights, and a passion for promoting women’s empowerment to the forefront of her public service.
Stella Okotete’s journey into politics and public service began long before her nomination as a Minister. Hailing from Delta State, Nigeria, she has established herself as a prominent human rights activist, philanthropist, and a committed member of the All Progressives Congress (APC).
Her dedication to advocating for marginalized communities, particularly women and the girl-child, has earned her respect and admiration both within her party and across the nation.
Okotete’s academic career reflects her commitment to knowledge and excellence. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in International Studies and Diplomacy from Benson Idahosa University in Benin City.
But she didn’t stop there; she continued her pursuit of education, obtaining master’s degrees in public administration and peace and conflict resolution. Additionally, she has a diploma in law from the Rivers State College of Arts and Sciences.
To further hone her skills in leadership and management, Stella attended the Lagos Business School’s Enterprise Development Center program in entrepreneurial management and earned a certificate from the Harvard Kennedy School for Emerging Leaders.
Her thirst for knowledge also led her to gain expertise in risk management for banking programs from prestigious institutions like the University of Virginia in the United States and INSEAD in Fontainebleau, France.
Stella Okotete’s career highlights exemplify her commitment to making a positive impact on society. She served as the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) focal point in Delta State, where she played a crucial role in ensuring the UN Millennium Declaration’s targets were met.
Subsequently, her work with internally displaced people at IDP Camps in Ughelli, Maiduguri, and Abuja showcased her deep dedication to humanitarian causes.
As the Executive Director of Business Development at the Nigerian Export-Import Bank (NEXIM), appointed by former President Muhammadu Buhari, Stella demonstrated her expertise in public policy formulation, international development, and administration.
Under her leadership, NEXIM initiated various initiatives to support economic growth, particularly for women and youth entrepreneurs, aligning with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) agenda and President Buhari’s Economic Recovery and Growth Plan (ERGP).
In her remarkable achievements in public service and women’s empowerment, Hon. Stella Okotete stands as a pioneer in the digital space, utilizing technology to revolutionize governance and empower the masses.
As one of the youngest high-ranking women in government, her commitment to leveraging digital technology for accessible governance shines through, setting new standards for communication between the government and the people.
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Stella’s passion for digital transformation is evident in her various initiatives that have harnessed the power of technology to connect with youths and grassroots communities. Among her notable digital ventures, the Presidential Inauguration Website and Mobile Apps have redefined communication during significant national events, ensuring that information reaches citizens quickly and efficiently.
By bridging the gap between the government and the people, Stella has demonstrated her visionary leadership and commitment to transparent and inclusive governance.
One of her groundbreaking projects, the Nigerian Export Academy (NEXA) Mobile App, showcases Stella’s dedication to fostering economic growth and empowerment. As Africa’s first platform aimed at training 5 million exporters within 5 years, NEXA represents a significant step towards building a robust export sector.
By utilizing digital technology, Stella has made knowledge and resources accessible to millions of aspiring exporters, promoting economic diversification and driving progress in the country.
Furthermore, Hon. Stella Okotete’s commitment to empowering women extends to the Progressive Women Academy Mobile App, a remarkable endeavor aimed at preparing 20 million women for leadership and political office. This forward-thinking initiative paves the way for more women to take active roles in shaping Nigeria’s future, challenging traditional gender roles and promoting gender equality in governance.
Beyond her external initiatives, Stella has also made a profound impact within the Nigerian Export-Import Bank (NEXIM) itself. Spearheading the creation of an internal Learning Management Platform for NEXIM staff, she has ensured that employees can enhance their skills and knowledge efficiently from any location and on any device.
This investment in human capital demonstrates her commitment to fostering a workforce equipped with the latest skills and knowledge to drive the bank’s mission forward.
Stella Okotete’s visionary approach to digital empowerment extends to the launch of Women Mobilization Apps and numerous other digital ventures. Her ability to harness the power of digital technology to foster progress and inclusion has left an indelible mark on the landscape of governance and empowerment in Nigeria.
One of Hon.Stella Okotete’s most significant contributions is her consistent advocacy for women’s rights and gender equality. As a co-founder of the E ‘Girls Right Foundation, she has been at the forefront of empowering and uplifting young girls, helping them break barriers and realize their full potential.
Her passion for the girl-child’s welfare is evident in her commitment to ensuring that strategic intervention programs address the socioeconomic concerns of marginalized groups.
Throughout her career, Stella has remained an active advocate for effective government policies that promote women’s empowerment and sustainable growth in Nigeria. Her dedication to the APC and her role as a philanthropist and humanitarian have made her a respected figure among her peers and the public alike.
As Stella Okotete takes on the potential role of the Minister of Women Affairs, Nigerians look forward to her dynamic and transformative leadership. With her wealth of experience, educational background, and passion for women’s rights, she is well-equipped to address the challenges faced by women in Nigeria and uplift them to positions of power and influence.
Nigerians eagerly await her confirmation and the positive changes she will undoubtedly bring to the lives of countless women and girls across the nation.
