By Deborah Nnamdi
Former Vice President of the World Bank and co-founder of Transparency International, Dr. Obiageli Ezekwesili, has won the 2025 International Anti-Corruption Excellence Award in the Lifetime/Outstanding Achievement category.
The award was presented on Sunday, December 14, 2025, in Doha, Qatar, at a ceremony organised by the Secretariat of the International Anti-Corruption Excellence. The event was chaired by the United Nations Special Advocate for the Prevention of Corruption and Chairman of the High-Level Award Committee, Dr Ali Bin Fetais Al Marri.
In a letter sent to Ezekwesili ahead of the ceremony, Al Marri informed her of the decision, stating that her nomination had been selected as a joint winner of the prestigious award.
The Director of the Rule of Law and Anti-Corruption Centre and Head of the Award Secretariat, Dr Yasser Refaie, said Ezekwesili’s nomination underwent an independent and rigorous assessment by both the Assessment Advisory Board and the High-Level Award Committee.
According to Refaie, the review process found that Ezekwesili’s work exemplified the values, expertise and integrity that the International Anti-Corruption Excellence Award seeks to recognise.
Ahead of the ceremony, Refaie had also conveyed the organisers’ invitation to Ezekwesili, describing it as an honour to have her attend the event, and noting that arrangements were made to cover her travel and accommodation, including for one accompanying guest.
Ezekwesili, a former Nigerian minister and globally recognized advocate for transparency, accountability and good governance, has remained a prominent voice in the global anti-corruption movement for decades.
