Founder of the #FixPolitics Initiative and former Vice President of the World Bank, Dr. “Oby” Ezekwesili, has been honoured with the International Anti-Corruption Excellence Award
Founder of the #FixPolitics Initiative and former Vice President of the World Bank, Dr Obiageli “Oby” Ezekwesili, has been honoured with the International Anti-Corruption Excellence Award (Lifetime Achievement) in Doha, Qatar.
Ezekwesili received the prestigious global recognition on December 14, 2025, from the ruler of Qatar, His Highness Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, in acknowledgment of her decades-long leadership in transparency reforms, public sector accountability, and values-driven governance across Africa and the international community.
In a statement issued by Anthony Ubani, Executive Director of the #FixPolitics Initiative, the award was described as a fitting tribute to Ezekwesili’s unwavering commitment to ethical leadership and institutional reform.
“Dr Obiageli Ezekwesili’s recognition on the global stage affirms what many Nigerians and reform advocates around the world have long known—that principled leadership, moral courage and competence can shape institutions and transform societies,” Ubani said.
The award jury recognised Ezekwesili as a joint recipient of the Lifetime Achievement category for her “exceptional and sustained contribution to the advancement of transparency, accountability, and institutional integrity in public life.”
Over several decades, Ezekwesili has played a pivotal role in national reform efforts, multilateral institutions and global anti-corruption initiatives. She is also credited with founding leadership development platforms such as the School of Politics, Policy and Governance (SPPG) and Human Capital Africa, aimed at nurturing a new generation of ethical public leaders.
According to Ubani, Ezekwesili’s work stands out for combining principled advocacy with practical institution-building, even in environments where anti-corruption reforms come at great personal cost.
“Her life’s work reinforces a powerful message—that corruption is not inevitable and that societies thrive when public power is exercised in the interest of citizens,” he noted.
The International Anti-Corruption Excellence Award is organised in support of the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) by the Secretariat of the International Anti-Corruption Excellence Award and is chaired by the United Nations Special Advocate for the Prevention of Corruption, Dr Ali Bin Fetais Al Marri.
The Director of the Rule of Law and Anti-Corruption Centre and Head of the Award Secretariat, Dr Yasser Refaie, disclosed that Ezekwesili’s nomination underwent a rigorous independent assessment by both the Advisory Board and the High-Level Award Committee before being adjudged to exemplify the values and integrity the award represents.
Reacting to the honour, Ezekwesili said the recognition goes beyond her as an individual.
“This honor belongs to all citizens and reformers who insist that public power must serve the public good. Anti-corruption work is not about individuals, but about building institutions and norms that outlive any one person,” she said.
The International Anti-Corruption Excellence Award is widely regarded as a global benchmark for principled leadership and sustained impact in the fight against corruption.
