Former Minister and Founder of Human Capital Africa, Dr. Oby Ezekwesili, has accepted the role of keynote speaker at the 7th Penpushing Media Anniversary Lecture.
The event, according to a statement, is scheduled to hold on July 31, 2025, at the Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library, Abeokuta.
Chairperson of the anniversary lecture, Dr. Abiola Akiyode-Afolabi, confirmed that Dr. Ezekwesili will be physically present to deliver the keynote address titled “Reworking Nigeria’s Federalism: Perspective on Restructuring and Fiscal Federalism.” Four distinguished panelists will also join her to discuss the topic.
Ezekwesili, a seasoned economist and governance advocate, previously served as Nigeria’s Minister of Solid Minerals and later as Minister of Education before joining the World Bank as Vice President for Africa. She currently serves as Senior Economic Advisor at the Open Society Foundation, advising African heads of state on development policy.
She sits on several global boards, including Bharti Airtel, WWF, and Central European University’s School of Public Policy. Her activism includes co-founding the #BringBackOurGirls campaign and establishing the #RedCardMovement and the School of Politics, Policy and Governance (SPPG). Recognized by the BBC, TIME Magazine, and the Albert Einstein Foundation, she remains a formidable voice in education, governance, and social advocacy.