Nigerian Professionals Network, USA

Celebrating a Trailblazer: Honoring Victoria Kwakwa! As we mark International Women’s Month, we are thrilled to celebrate Victoria Kwakwa , a visionary leader in development and Regional Vice President for Eastern & Southern Africa at the The World Bank. Join us for a fireside chat co-hosted with the WBG/IMF Africa Society, where we’ll reflect on her extraordinary career, her impact on Africa’s development, and the invaluable lessons she’s passing on to young African professionals. Date: Wednesday, March 26, 2025 Time: 12:30 PM EST Venue: 1818 H Street, NW DC Moderated by Steven Shalita, Global Director of Communications & Outreach, IFC - International Finance Corporation, this event is a unique opportunity to engage with leading African professionals and changemakers. #IWD2025 #Leadership #Development #Africa #Networking

Strengthening Nigeria’s Education Sector: A Collaborative Approach On February 18, 2025, the Nigerian Professionals Network (NPN) in collaboration with the Nigerian Community at the World Bank/IMF successfully convened a high-profile roundtable in Washington, D.C., bringing together key stakeholders to discuss technical support and strategic partnerships for Nigeria’s education sector. The Honorable Minister of Education, Dr. Maruf Tunji Alausa, outlined his six-point agenda focused on: ? Out-of-school children ? Girl-child education ? Data and digitization ? STEMM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics, and Medicine) ? Education quality assurance ? Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) The roundtable featured global education leaders like Laura Frigenti, CEO of the Global Partnership for Education (GPE), and Luis Benveniste, World Bank Global Director for Education, who shared insights on: ?? Strategies to attract international funding for Nigeria’s education sector ?? Policy solutions for reducing out-of-school children ?? Maximizing World Bank financing for education priorities ?? Preparing Nigeria’s youth for the digital economy & workforce demands Additionally, Nabila Aguele (Malala Fund, Nigeria CEO) and Clio Clio Dintilhac (Gates Foundation), along with Nigerian education experts in the diaspora, provided invaluable contributions on innovative education solutions. According to Olumide Lawal, Convener of the event, the discussions underscored the need for stronger collaboration between the Nigerian government, international organizations, and private sector stakeholders to drive sustainable educational development. This roundtable, moderated by Brian Oji, reaffirmed NPN’s commitment to advancing education in Nigeria, ensuring that the next generation is equipped with the skills and knowledge to compete globally. #Education #Nigeria #GPE #WorldBank #EdTech #DigitalSkills #STEMM #TVET #GirlChildEducation #NPN #Impact

Join Us for a Crucial Roundtable on Strengthening Nigeria’s Education Sector! The future of education in Nigeria is at the forefront of global conversations, and we invite you to be part of this impactful discussion. ?? Date: Tuesday, February 18, 2024 ? Time: 1:00 PM – 2:30 PM ?? Venue: Washington, DC This high-level roundtable will explore strategies, technical support, and partnerships aimed at transforming Nigeria's education system. Featured Speakers: Dr. Maruf Tunji Alausa – Honorable Minister of Education, Federal Republic of Nigeria Laura Frigenti – CEO, Global Partnership for Education Luis Benveniste – Global Director, World Bank Education Practice From policy insights to collaborative solutions, this event will bring together experts, stakeholders, and thought leaders to drive meaningful change. Be part of the conversation shaping the future of education. Together, we can build stronger, more resilient education systems for the next generation. #Education #Nigeria #GlobalPartnership #WorldBank #EducationForAll

?? Conversations on Africa’s Development: An Afternoon of Visionary Leadership?? On December 17, 2024, the Nigerian Professionals Network (NPN) hosted its End-of-Year Fireside Chat at the Elliott School of International Affairs in Washington, D.C., bringing together global thought leaders, policymakers, and professionals to discuss Africa’s development trajectory. The evening was packed with inspiring speeches and innovative ideas aimed at transforming Africa’s future. ?? Dr. Samuel Munzele Maimbo, a leading candidate for the African Development Bank (AfDB) presidency in 2025, set the tone with a visionary keynote address. He shared his bold agenda for a “Future-Ready Africa” focusing on investment-driven growth over aid dependency. He hopes to repurpose the AfDB into an institution that uses its knowledge and funding to support countries in attracting favorable offers from multilateral institutions, et al. Dr. Maimbo’s plan, among others, centers around these transformative pillars: 1. From Aid to Investment – Shifting Africa’s development discourse from donor-driven to investment-led opportunities. 2. Global Economy – Re-focus regional and national programs on long-term growth strategies. 3. Concessional Financing – Alleviate the scarcity of concessional financing available to African countries. 4. Private Sector-Centric Approach – Building a network of private sector hubs to drive economic growth. 5. Regional Solidarity – Fostering intra-Africa trade, cooperation, and development. ? Ndidi Okonkwo Nwuneli, a renowned social entrepreneur and President of the The ONE Campaign, brought the conversation to the critical issue of food security and sustainable job creation. She passionately advocated for strengthening agribusiness as a catalyst for economic growth and empowering local food systems to achieve food sovereignty across the continent. ?? ?? Banky Wellington (Banky W), celebrated creative industry leader, illuminated the creative economy as a major untapped resource for Africa’s development. He emphasized the potential of the creative sector to drive job creation, cultural influence, and economic transformation, stressing the need for investment and supportive policy frameworks to unlock this potential. ??In recognition of their profound contributions, Dr. Maimbo and Ndidi Nwuneli were honored with the African Leadership Excellence Award by the NPN, celebrating their enduring commitment to Africa’s progress. As Dr. Maimbo’s candidacy for AfDB President gains momentum, his vision has inspired a growing movement of professionals and organizations poised to support Africa’s shift toward investment-driven growth. NPN is committed to fostering dialogue, conversations, and actionable strategies that harness the potential of Africa’s diaspora. Chinonso Ndimantang Miriam Odabe, MBA Jennifer Cooke

?? Conversations on Africa’s Development: An Afternoon of Visionary Leadership?? On December 17, 2024, the Nigerian Professionals Network (NPN) hosted its End-of-Year Fireside Chat at the Elliott School of International Affairs in Washington, D.C., bringing together global thought leaders, policymakers, and professionals to discuss Africa’s development trajectory. The evening was packed with inspiring speeches and innovative ideas aimed at transforming Africa’s future. ?? Dr. Samuel Munzele Maimbo, a leading candidate for the African Development Bank (AfDB) presidency in 2025, set the tone with a visionary keynote address. He shared his bold agenda for a “Future-Ready Africa” focusing on investment-driven growth over aid dependency. He hopes to repurpose the AfDB into an institution that uses its knowledge and funding to support countries in attracting favorable offers from multilateral institutions, et al. Dr. Maimbo’s plan, among others, centers around these transformative pillars: 1. From Aid to Investment – Shifting Africa’s development discourse from donor-driven to investment-led opportunities. 2. Global Economy – Re-focus regional and national programs on long-term growth strategies. 3. Concessional Financing – Alleviate the scarcity of concessional financing available to African countries. 4. Private Sector-Centric Approach – Building a network of private sector hubs to drive economic growth. 5. Regional Solidarity – Fostering intra-Africa trade, cooperation, and development. ? Ndidi Okonkwo Nwuneli, a renowned social entrepreneur and President of the The ONE Campaign, brought the conversation to the critical issue of food security and sustainable job creation. She passionately advocated for strengthening agribusiness as a catalyst for economic growth and empowering local food systems to achieve food sovereignty across the continent. ?? ?? Banky Wellington (Banky W), celebrated creative industry leader, illuminated the creative economy as a major untapped resource for Africa’s development. He emphasized the potential of the creative sector to drive job creation, cultural influence, and economic transformation, stressing the need for investment and supportive policy frameworks to unlock this potential. ??In recognition of their profound contributions, Dr. Maimbo and Ndidi Nwuneli were honored with the African Leadership Excellence Award by the NPN, celebrating their enduring commitment to Africa’s progress. As Dr. Maimbo’s candidacy for AfDB President gains momentum, his vision has inspired a growing movement of professionals and organizations poised to support Africa’s shift toward investment-driven growth. NPN is committed to fostering dialogue, conversations, and actionable strategies that harness the potential of Africa’s diaspora. Chinonso Ndimantang Miriam Odabe, MBA Jennifer Cooke

Exciting Lineup of Speakers! We are excited to introduce Banky Wellington as a speaker. A dynamic Nigerian-American Media, Marketing, and Communications Executive, Banky W is a trailblazer in Nigeria’s entertainment, advocacy, and philanthropic landscape. With nearly two decades of experience, he has shaped the careers of top artists, produced iconic music albums and films, and co-founded the EME Agency, a leading Media and Marketing Communications firm. Beyond entertainment, Banky is a dedicated advocate for education and social impact, serving on UNICEF’s GenU9Ja steering committee, as an Ambassador for Teach For Nigeria, and as co-founder of the Lekki Food Bank and the Banky Wellington Organization, which have impacted over 200,000 lives. Banky holds a BSc in Industrial Engineering from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, a Filmmaking certificate from the New York Film Academy, and is currently pursuing a Master of Policy Management at Georgetown University. A Tutu Fellow at Oxford University and former candidate for Nigeria’s House of Representatives, he continues to champion change through his advocacy, creative works, and influence as a global thought leader. We look forward to the inspiration and insights he will bring to the stage.

Exciting Lineup of Speakers! We are excited to introduce Jennifer Cooke. As Director of the Institute for African Studies at The George Washington University Elliott School of International Affairs, Jennifer is a leading voice on African political, economic, and security issues. With over two decades of experience, including 18 years as Director of the Africa Program at the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS), she has spearheaded research on critical topics like transnational security threats, extremist organizations, and China's growing influence in Africa. A seasoned analyst, writer, and lecturer, Jennifer has briefed the U.S. Congress, AFRICOM, and military leadership, and served as an election observer in Sierra Leone, Ghana, Liberia, Mali, and Nigeria. Her academic credentials include an M.A. in African Studies and International Economics from Johns Hopkins SAIS and a B.A. in Government from Harvard University.

Exciting Lineup of Speakers! We are honored to introduce Ndidi Okonkwo Nwuneli. As President and CEO of the The ONE Campaign, Ndidi is a globally renowned leader in social innovation, development, and advocacy for Africa. With over 25 years of experience, she has championed transformative solutions to critical global challenges. A trailblazer in the nonprofit sector, she founded LEAP Africa, African Food Changemakers, and co-founded Sahel Consulting Agriculture & Nutrition Ltd. and AACE Foods. Her board roles span prestigious organizations like the Rockefeller Foundation, Stanbic IBTC Group, and the World Economic Forum's Young Global Leaders. An acclaimed TED speaker and award-winning author, Ndidi has been honored as a Schwab Fellow, Young Global Leader, and recipient of Nigeria’s National Honor. Her educational pedigree includes an MBA from Harvard Business School and an undergraduate degree from the Wharton School. We anticipate the insights she will bring to the conversation.

Exciting Lineup of Speakers! We are thrilled to introduce Samuel Munzele Maimbo as a distinguished speaker. As Vice President for Budget, Performance Review, and Strategic Planning at the World Bank, Dr. Maimbo brings unparalleled expertise in financial strategy, resource management, and development finance. With nearly three decades of experience, he oversees the World Bank’s multi-billion dollar budget, aligning resources with strategic priorities and business needs. His leadership spans roles as Chief of Staff to World Bank Presidents and Director of IDA Resource Mobilization, where he spearheaded the historic $93 billion IDA20 replenishment. A Zambian national and a visionary leader, Mr. Maimbo’s academic credentials include a Ph.D. in Public Administration from the University of Manchester and an MBA in Finance from the University of Nottingham. We look forward to the insights and expertise he will share.

We are pleased to invite you to our upcoming End-of- Year?Fireside Chat and Special Recognition Event. This special convening will celebrate visionary leadership and recognize individuals whose contributions inspire and empower African professionals globally. Event Details: Date:?Tuesday, December 17, 2024 Time:?1:00 PM EST Venue:?George Washington University, Washington, D.C. Virtual Option:?Available via live stream We are honored to feature?Samuel Munzele Maimbo, World Bank Vice President for Budget, Performance Review, and Strategic Planning, alongside?Ndidi Okonkwo Nwuneli, President & CEO of The ONE Campaign. This event offers an excellent opportunity to connect with a dynamic network of African professionals and thought leaders committed to advancing sustainable development across Africa. Following the program, we invite you to join us for a reception with food and drinks—a perfect chance to network and celebrate together! Attendance is free, but registration is required. ? RSVP for in-person participation using this link: https://lnkd.in/dhFp5bPr ? RSVP for online participation using this link: https://lnkd.in/dACGH6Q6 ? We look forward to celebrating Africa’s development journey with you and fostering meaningful connections within our community.