Former Vice President of the World Bank and co-founder of Transparency International, Dr Obiageli “Oby” Ezekwesili was honoured December 14, 2025, in faraway Doha, Qatar.

Ezekwesili, globally renowned as a public policy leader and anti-corruption reformer with decades of experience in institutional transformation across Africa and internationally, became the joint recipient of the International Anti-Corruption Excellence Award (Lifetime Achievement) from 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 building of next-generation leadership platforms, including the School of Politics, Policy and Governance and Human Capital Africa.

The Jury of the International Anti-Corruption Excellence Award recognised Ezekwesili as a joint recipient of the Lifetime Achievement Award, in acknowledgement of her exceptional and sustained contribution to the advancement of 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 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 service in national government, leadership within multilateral institutions, and the founding of platforms dedicated to developing ethical public leadership, she has consistently advanced the belief that corruption is not inevitable — and that societies prosper 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 by the Secretariat of the International Anti-Corruption Excellence, is chaired by 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.

The Director, Rule of Law and Anti-Corruption Centre/Head of Secretariat of the International Anti-Corruption Excellence Award, Dr Yasser Refaie, said the nominee’s nomination had undergone an independent and rigorous review by both the Assessment Advisory Board and the High-Level Award Committee, and 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, adding, “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 regarded globally as a benchmark recognition for principled leadership and sustained impact in the fight against corruption.

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