By Tony Okafor, Awka
Former Minister of Aviation, Chief Osita Chidoka, has revealed how the Director-General of the , , persuaded him not to relocate permanently abroad at one of the lowest points in his political career.
Chidoka made the disclosure while speaking at the public presentation of the memoir written by former presidential spokesman, Paul Nwabuikwu, where he recounted for the first time how a single conversation with the former Finance Minister changed the course of his life.
According to him, the encounter took place in early 2020 at Okonjo-Iweala’s office at Gavi on Pennsylvania Avenue in Washington, D.C., after he had become disillusioned by political developments in Nigeria.
Chidoka said he had travelled to the United States after the 2019 general elections, during which he 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.
He explained that the emotional toll of the election, coupled with a subsequent judicial pronouncement on a governorship election, left him 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 recalled.
He said Okonjo-Iweala listened attentively before offering advice that transformed his outlook.
According to Chidoka, she told 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 former minister said the words were not what he wanted to hear at the time but turned out to be exactly what he needed.
He said he returned to Abuja after reflecting on the conversation and has never regretted the decision.
Chidoka credited that encounter with inspiring the next chapter of his life, which has seen him establish the Athena Centre, the Mekaria Institute and ClearPath Media, while also earning 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 that while they 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,” Chidoka said in appreciation of the globally acclaimed economist.
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