13 May 2011
London — Prof. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, World Bank Managing Director and Nigeria’s former Finance Minister, says getting the Paris club to cancel the country’s debt gave her grey hair.
“This is something that cannot be reversed; getting $30billion of debt cancelled, leaving just $5bn at that time took much out of me and gave me grey hair,” Okonjo-Iweala told the Financial Times of London.
“I am most proud of two things, first and foremost, my children; second, the debt relief for Nigeria,” Okonjo-Iweala said.
She said it was not easy getting to the top of her career as a black woman, adding that she worked very hard to succeed in her chosen profession.
“As a black woman, doors do not just open for you; You have to prove yourself every single day, but I love it.
“I thrive in places that are merit-based; the World Bank has been a good place for that,” Okonjo-Iweala said.
The World Bank Executive said she was currently working on how to mobilise more resources for the Food Security Fund as well as assist conflict-affected states.
NAN
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Nation’s $30 Billion Debt Gave Me Grey Hair – Okonjo-Iweala