Obiageli Ezekwesili has been named a joint recipient of the 2025 International Anti-Corruption Excellence (ACE) Lifetime Achievement/Outstanding Award, in recognition of her long-standing commitment to transparency, accountability, and good governance.
The award celebrates Ezekwesili’s decades of work in advancing institutional reform, promoting sound economic and human capital policies, strengthening governance in the extractive sector, and nurturing values-driven leadership across Africa. She currently serves as Chairperson of School of Politics, Policy and Governance (SPPG), is the Founder of Human Capital Africa, and a Senior Fellow at Yale University.
Reacting to the honour, Ezekwesili described the recognition as an affirmation of the principles that have guided her public life, while stressing that the fight against corruption is inherently collective. She noted that progress in anti-corruption and good governance is driven not by individuals alone, but by the building of strong institutions and enduring civic norms.
“This honour belongs to all citizens and reformers who insist that public power must serve the public good,” she said, adding that meaningful reform can only be sustained through shared responsibility and collective action.
Ezekwesili also expressed gratitude to her family for their support throughout her journey, acknowledging the role of her parents, husband, children, siblings, and well-wishers in her personal and professional life.
She concluded by urging continued dedication to good governance, emphasizing that the pursuit must persist until Nigeria and the wider African continent achieve accountable, people-centred leadership and institutions.