A staunch Chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Hon. Mary Ikoku has described the Executive Director Business Development of the National Export- Import Bank (Nexim), Hon. Stella Erhuvwuoghene Okotete as an incredible woman leader with a genuine heart of service to God and humanity.
Ikoku, who spoke in a birthday congratulatory message to Hon. Oketete on Thursday, April 20, 2023, said the celebrant roundly epitomises outstanding personality in Nigeria and beyond.
The message, which was conveyed via a press statement she personally signed and issued in specifically noted that Hon. Okotete has steadily demonstrated strong will and desire to the upliftment of others.
She said, “You have carried out numerous philanthropic gestures in your State, the Federal Capital Territory and Nigeria in general and you’ve continued to help women and youth get ahead in their political journey and there is no stopping you.
“Nigeria is lacking a whole lot in regards to the successes that accrue the inclusiveness of women in governance, and today, I want to acknowledge the work you do around this ecosystem in advancing women and girls. You’ve been consistent in championing and advocating for the rights of the girl child. A critical leader of our great party, a philanthropist, humanitarian, and an ardent supporter of good governance.
“In you, my organisation, the Emerge Women Development Initiative, has found a genuine partner who is prepared to render agency to ensure the status of women and girls are advanced.
“On your birthday, how best can I celebrate you, my sister? Beautiful, kindhearted, strong, and independent. These are just some of the words that I use to describe you. You are the one woman I know in this political journey who deserves nothing but the best. Thank you for being a part of my life. Have a great birthday!”
Talking about her role at NEXIM bank, Mrs Ikoku enthused, “In your role as the Executive Director, Business Development of the National Export- Import Bank (NEXIM), you’ve been outstanding. You brought to your job a lot of diverse experiences and insights gained from both the private and public sectors. Over the years, you’ve performed exceptionally in providing operational leadership to the bank as well as conceptualising and developing new products and services.
“You initiated ‘Women and Youth Export Facility’ as well as the ‘Small and Medium Export Enterprise Facility’, referenced to the Export Development Fund. These products you developed out of your passion for job creation, industrialization, and foreign exchange generation in line with the Economic Recovery and Growth Plan (ERGP) of President Muhammadu Buhari and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) agenda, specifically poverty eradication, economic stability and gender equality.
“Nigeria was in need of genuine women leaders who would place premiums on the emergence and human capital development of the women folks, God sent you among others to fill the gap well.”
Coincidentally, Hon. Okotete’s appointment into the President-elect Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s presidential transition committee was announced on her birthday. So, it is double celebration to a Super lady!