Okonjo-Iweala makes Fortune’s 50 greatest world leaders

The Minister of Finance Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, has been named one of the 50 greatest leaders in the world by Fortune Magazine.

Okonjo-Iweala was recognised alongside Liberian President, Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf; Pope Francis, Chinese President Xi Jinping; Indian Prime Minister, Narendra Modi; Bill and Melinda Gates, Facebook Founder, Mark Zuckerburg; and Apple Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Tom Cook.

The development was confirmed by a statement on Thursday by the Ministry of Finance, adding that the finance minister was named 33rd on the list.

The minister, according to the statement, is described by Fortune Magazine as “a fearless promoter of sound economic policies.”

According to the statement, she was also singled out for working hard to usher in a decade in which the country’s Gross Domestic Product size tripled.

Fortune Magazine’s annual list celebrates men and women, who are transforming lives in all spheres including government, business and philanthropy.

In compiling the 2015 list, the magazine explained that it gathered advice from more than 24 of the world’s best minds.

The leaders were judged by their actions within their professional domains, industries or governance.

The magazine said, “To make this roster, it was not enough to be brilliant, admirable or even supremely powerful.

“We set out to find singular leaders with vision who moved others to act as well, and who brought their followers with them on a shared quest.

“We looked for effectiveness and commitment and for the courage to pioneer.”