By PAMELA EBOH, Awka

Former Minister of Aviation, Chief Osita Chidoka, on Thursday thanked the Director-General of the World Trade Organisation (WTO), Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, for changing the trajectory of his life and also standing out as his mentor.

Reminiscing how Iweala made him change his mind on relocating permanently abroad during his speech at the public presentation of the memoir written by former presidential spokesman, Paul Nwabuikwu, Chidoka said the incident happened during the lowest points in his political journey.

He stressed that the encounter with the former Minister of Finance at Gavi on Pennsylvania Avenue in Washington D.C happened after he had become disillusioned by political developments in Nigeria.

He said: "The encounter took place in early 2020 at Okonjo-Iweala’s office at Gavi on Pennsylvania Avenue in Washington, D.C., after I had beco’e disillusioned by political developments in Nigeria.

“I had travelled to the United States after the 2019 general elections, during which I played key roles in reconciling former President and former Vice President, managed the Atiku/Obi presidential campaign Situation Room and served as the Peoples Democratic Party’s principal witness before the Presidential Election Tribunal.

“The emotional toll of the election, coupled with a subsequent judicial pronouncement on a governorship election, left me frustrated and contemplating an international career after previously rejecting several foreign opportunities in order to pursue politics in Nigeria.

“I told her I was now ready to accept an international role or perhaps return to ExxonMobil, where I had been granted an extended leave of absence when I became Corps Marshal of the Federal Road Safety Corps.”

Chidoka said that Okonjo-Iweala listened attentively while he spoke before offering advice that transformed his outlook.

According to him, Okonjo-Iwela said to him, “Nigeria needs people like you. Do not allow life’s inevitable setbacks to define your choices. Go back to Nigeria. Stay in the trenches. Don’t give up’.

“The words were not what I wanted to hear at the time but it turned out to be exactly what I needed.

“I returned to Abuja after reflecting on the conversation and has never regretted the decision.”

While noting that the encounter inspired the next chapter of his life, which has seen him establish the Athena Centre, the Mekaria Institute and ClearPath Media, he added that he has also earned a law degree and continuing his public service engagements.

Describing Okonjo-Iweala as a lifelong mentor, Chidoka recalled that she had supported the Federal Road Safety Corps during her tenure as Minister of Finance whenever the agency had genuine funding needs.

He added: "While we both served on the Federal Executive Council, she acted as a mentor and “guardian angel” to younger cabinet members, offering guidance and encouragement.

“One conversation changed the trajectory of my life. Thank you, Aunty Ngoo.”

•L-R Former Minister of Aviation Osita Chidoka, Head WTO Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala at Paul Nwabuikwu’s book presentation on Tuesday Photo: Osita Chidoka