Okonjo-Iweala: I have gone through hard times

Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, minister of finance and coordinating minister of the economy, says she has gone through “hard times” in the course of discharging her duties.

Speaking at a send-off ceremony organised in her honour, Okonjo-Iweala expressed appreciation to staff of the ministry, urging them to support the incoming administration for the growth of the country.

“We have gone through hard times but they have pulled through,” she said.

She described the administration of President Goodluck Jonathan as successful, listing the creation of 1.4 million jobs, the G-WIN programme, national mortgage refinancing company, Nigeria Development Bank and pension transition administration scheme, as some of the achievement of the outgoing government.

She said the projects were beneficial to the growth of the country and should be continued.

Okonjo-Iweala further urged the youth not to be deterred by criticism but to be focused in all their endeavour, as it is the only way to success

She commended the heads of the various parastatals in the ministry and the staff for their efforts and support.

On his part, Bashir Yuguda, the minister of state for finance, said the team had done its best as amiably as possible, and would continue to serve the nation.

He noted that the ministry had also enthroned transparency in the administration by ensuring the publications of its activities.

Meanwhile, about 2,000 Nigerians have signed a petition urging Yale University in the United States (US) to withdraw a honourary degree conferred on Okonjo-Iweala on Monday.

Sunday Iwalaiye, a Nigerian resident in the US, led the campaign early on Thursday. It is being hosted on change.org, the world’s largest petition platform.