Okonjo-Iweala, Otedola, Adesina make ‘Most Reputable Africans’ list

Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala

Chief Judge of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Justice Ishaq Bello, a former minister of finance Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala and six other Nigerians have been named among the 100 Most Reputable Africans.

Eight Nigerians made the 2020 ‘roll of honour’ released on Tuesday by Reputation Poll International, organisers of the annual event, on its website.

The ranking released in alphabetical order features 47 women and 53 men from diverse sectors including leadership, entertainment, advocacy, education and business.

Other Nigerians who made the list include businesswoman and philanthropist Folorunso Alakija, President of the African Development Bank (AFDB) Akinwumi Adesina, billionaire businessman Femi Otedola,  and a public policy expert Tony Ojobo.

Cardinal Francis Arinze of the Roman Catholic Church and Senior Pastor, Dunamis International Gospel Centre Paul Enenche are two clerics who made the list.

According to the organisers, the selection criteria are integrity, visibility and impact.

“The above luminaries are joined by other great Africans who are celebrated for their social impact, and social entrepreneurship, that are transforming businesses in Africa and affecting lives positively without controversy.

“Very prominent personalities featured in the list include: Ethiopia’s Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed; South Africa’s Prof. Wiseman L. Nkuhlu, Chancellor of the University of Pretoria and Chairman of Rothschild (SA).

“On governance: the list features two African presidents, one vice president and policy makers.

“On business: South Africa’s Dr Precious Moloi-Motsepe, Ethiopia’s Bethlehem Tilahun Alemu and Nigeria’s Folorunso Alakija are featured for their works across the globe.

“On leadership: Ethiopia’s Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, Sierra Leone’s Yvonne Aki-Sawyerr OBE, Nigeria’s Ngozi Okonjo- Iweala and Ghana’s former Vice Chancellor of University of Cape Coast, Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang,” the organisers said.

The Reputation Poll is acclaimed globally for its annual ranking of the 100 Most Reputable People on Earth and Most Reputable CEOs in various countries.