Okonjo-Iweala stopped me from ‘Japa’, says ex-aviation minister

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Former Minister of Aviation Osita Chidoka has revealed how a conversation with Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala convinced him not to leave Nigeria after a difficult period in his political career.

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According to a Facebook post sighted by PUNCH Online on Wednesday, Chidoka shared the story at Paul Nwabuikwu’s book presentation, saying it was the first time he had publicly spoken about how Okonjo-Iweala discouraged him from “japa”, a popular Nigerian expression for leaving the country in search of opportunities abroad.

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According to him, Okonjo-Iweala had been a mentor and source of support since his time as Corps Marshal of the Federal Road Safety Corps when she served as Minister of Finance.

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Despite Nigeria’s financial challenges at the time, Chidoka said she remained committed to supporting the FRSC whenever there were genuine funding needs.

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He recalled that after joining the Federal Executive Council, Okonjo-Iweala became a guardian figure to younger members of the cabinet, offering guidance and encouragement.

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“The 2019 elections took a great deal out of me,” Chidoka said, recalling his role in reconciling former President Olusegun Obasanjo and his former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar.

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He also managed the Atiku/Obi campaign Situation Room and served as the PDP’s principal witness at the Presidential Election Tribunal.

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After the election process ended, Chidoka said he was exhausted and disappointed by the outcome.

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He travelled to the United States, where his wife had started her PhD programme, with plans to move between Nigeria and the US while deciding his next steps.

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However, a judicial decision concerning a governorship election in early 2020 deepened his frustration.

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Chidoka said he had previously rejected several international opportunities because he was determined to build a political career in Nigeria. But following the setback, he began considering a different path, including accepting an international role or returning to ExxonMobil, where he had been granted extended leave while serving in government.

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He visited Okonjo-Iweala at her office at Gavi in Washington, DC, and explained that he was ready to pursue opportunities outside Nigeria.

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She listened quietly before offering advice that stayed with him.

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“Osita, Nigeria needs people like you. Do not allow life’s inevitable setbacks to define your choices. Go back to Nigeria. Stay in the trenches. Don’t give up,” she told him.

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Chidoka said the advice was not what he wanted to hear at the time, but it was exactly what he needed.

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He returned to Abuja after reflecting on their conversation.

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Looking back, he said the decision shaped the next chapter of his life, leading to new opportunities including the Athena Centre, Mekaria Institute, ClearPath Media, his law degree, and continued involvement in public service.

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“One conversation changed the trajectory of my life,” Chidoka said, expressing gratitude to Okonjo-Iweala for her guidance.

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“Thank you, Aunty Ngoo,” he added.

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