Twitter Inc., one of world’s leading social networking sites has announced the appointment of Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala and Robert Zoellick into its eight-member board of directors. Both Okonjo-Iweala and Robert Zoellick worked together at the World Bank with the former serving as the Managing Director, while the latter was the eleventh president of the organization. Twitter CEO, Jack Dorsey made the announcement through his twitter handle on Thursday.
“We’re adding Ngozi (@NOIweala) and Bob (@authorzoellick) to the Twitter board. Welcome! Sadly we’re also saying farewell to our friend Marjorie (@marjscar). She’s been an amazing advocate for journalists everywhere and pushed us constantly to better inform people. Thank you M.” he tweeted.
This new appointment will make Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, Nigeria’s former minister for finance the second black woman to sit on the board and would see her replace Marjorie Scardino who was appointed in December 2013. The former minister didn’t hide her joy as she also expressed her excitement on the platform through a series of tweets on her personal twitter account.
“Excited to work with @Jack and an incredible team on the Board of Twitter, a global platform that is such a strong connector of people and ideas,” she tweeted.
Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala remains one of Africa’s finest in the world through the different roles she has played while taking on international appointments. She is undoubtedly one of Nigeria’s illustrious personalities who has represented Africa’s most populous country at the international level.
Omod Kordestani, Twitter Executive Chairman described the appointment as a great move and acquiring new “assets” that will help drive twitter in coming years. “Ngozi and Bob are distinguished leaders with unparalleled global perspectives and policy expertise, We are confident they will be incredible assets to Twitter as we continue to focus on driving transparency and making Twitter a safer, healthier place for everyone who uses our service,” he said.
Jack Dorsey also made the exit of respected journalist and former CEO of Pearson PLC Marjorie Scardino known through a separate tweet. Mrs Marjorie Scardino will be stepping down after five years as the first female director of Twitter.
Rewriting the narrative
Despite being from a society that continues to sit around tables, events and even social media platforms to discuss the role of women in a patriarchal society, Dr Okonjo-Iweala singles herself out as a role model for young women. Dr Okonjo-Iweala’s past and present experiences speak volumes, not only as an economic driver but also as a mother, a beacon of hope and a scholar. She was recognized by Yale University in 2015 for her outstanding performance and sterling career as an economist.
Nigerians have continued to express their delight over her appointment and are excited to see what the future holds. Amongst prominent Nigerians who showered encomium on the former minister was Goodluck Jonathan, whom she served under as the coordinating minister for economy and also former vice president Atiku Abubakar.
Atiku Abubakar like many others who flooded the social networking platform to congratulate her referred to the appointee as a ‘national treasure.’
“I am delighted at the news of Dr. @NOIweala’s appointment to the Board of @Twitter. She is a national treasure and her exploits on the world finance and business stage is further proof that when you empower a woman, you empower a community, a nation and a continent,” he said.
This appointment makes her the first Nigerian to become an integral part of the decision-making echelon of the second largest social networking site. Not only does this bring a much-needed diversity to the Twitter Board, her experience as both Managing Director in the World Bank and two-time minister in Nigeria places her in a better position to advance discussions that would promote transparency and safety. It is also hoped that this appointment will promote inclusion on the social network while putting into consideration the needs of Nigerians and Africans everywhere.
She is unarguably a round peg in a round roll and a perfect fit for the new position given her wealth of experience Her appointment is good news for Nigerians, especially at a crucial time when the country is rebranding its image among League of Nations. This development also signals a new era for the African narrative as a whole.
Last year, Dr Okonjo-Iweala was appointed by Standard Chartered Plc an independent non-executive director at in the United Kingdom. She is also the founder of an indigenous opinion poll NOIPolls and currently serves as a Senior Adviser at Lazard.
