Igbo Ekunie congratulates Sandie Okoro as aninspiration to millions of young women worldwide

We at the Igbo Ekunie Initiative, IEI, comprising individuals in Nigeria and the Diaspora, wish to congratulate you and rejoice with you over your recent and well-deserved appointment as World Bank Group Senior Vice President and General Counsel.

We note your extraordinary achievements in the field of international finance and the astute managerial exposure you have attained at global financial institutions, especially the exemplary leadership role you displayed during the financial crisis particularly with respect to the mitigation of counterparty risk exposure.

Your life and track record is worthy of emulation and commendation. Going down the memory lane, two things you were told at the beginning of your career were to change your surname as it would be a barrier, and to forget a career in the City as ‘no one would ever employ someone like you.

It was obviously the worst piece of advice you had ever received but you rightly decided that this could not be true. Ignoring it turned out to be the best thing you ever did. You proved the pundits wrong and have thus become an inspiration to millions of young women all over Eastern Nigeria where you originally hail from.

As we celebrate your resounding success today, we must not forget the onerous challenges ahead and we count on you to join us in taking the necessary proactive steps that would empower and emancipate our people back home and ameliorate the plight and misery they face.

Once again, we extend our hearty congratulations and wish you a successful career at the World Bank Group.

Yours Sincerely,
Chief Tochukwu Ezeoke
President Igbo Ekunie Initiative
Tel. +44 77486 12933
Mr Lawrence Nwobu
Secretary Igbo Ekunie Initiative
Tel: +353 87 415 1329