Former Vice President of the World Bank and co-founder of Transparency International, Dr. Obiageli “Oby” Ezekwesili, was honoured on December 14, 2025, in Doha, Qatar, with a prestigious international award.
Globally renowned as a public policy leader and anti-corruption reformer with decades of experience in institutional transformation across Africa and beyond, Ezekwesili was named a joint recipient of the International Anti-Corruption Excellence Award (Lifetime Achievement). The award was presented by the Ruler of Qatar, His Highness Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani.
The award recognises her sustained leadership in transparency reforms, public sector accountability, and values-driven governance. Her work spans national reform efforts, multilateral institutions, and the development of next-generation leadership platforms, including the School of Politics, Policy and Governance (SPPG) and Human Capital Africa.
The jury of the International Anti-Corruption Excellence Award acknowledged Obiageli “Oby” Ezekwesili’s exceptional and enduring contributions to advancing transparency, accountability, and institutional integrity in public life.
Over several decades, Ezekwesili has demonstrated rare moral courage and policy leadership in environments where anti-corruption reform is often met with resistance and significant personal cost. Her work has combined principled advocacy with practical institution-building, contributing to reforms in public financial management, extractive sector governance, education systems, and global transparency norms.
Through her service in national government, leadership roles within multilateral institutions, and the founding of platforms dedicated to nurturing ethical public leadership, she has consistently advanced the belief that corruption is not inevitable—and that societies thrive when public power is exercised in service of citizens.
The International Anti-Corruption Excellence Award, organised in support of the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) by the Secretariat of the International Anti-Corruption Excellence, is chaired by the United Nations Special Advocate for the Prevention of Corruption and Chairman of the High-Level Award Committee, His Excellency Dr. Ali Bin Fetais Al Marri.
According to the Director of the Rule of Law and Anti-Corruption Centre and Head of the Secretariat of the International Anti-Corruption Excellence Award, Dr. Yasser Refaie, Ezekwesili’s nomination underwent an independent and rigorous review by both the Assessment Advisory Board and the High-Level Award Committee, and was found to exemplify the values, expertise, and integrity that the award represents.
Speaking on the recognition, Ezekwesili noted that the fight against corruption is inherently collective:
“This honour 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.”
The International Anti-Corruption Excellence Award is globally regarded as a benchmark recognition for principled leadership and sustained impact in the fight against corruption.
