Education, check! Leadership, check! Empowerment, check! Talk about excellence and innovation, Hon. Stella Erhuvwuoghene Okotete’s name rings a mighty church bell. Born on April 20th, 1984, in Warri, Delta State, she has carved an inspiring path of continuous learning and achievement. From prestigious institutions worldwide to her role as Executive Director of Business Development at the Nigerian Export-Import Bank (NEXIM), Hon. Stella Okotete’s passionate dedication to transforming Nigeria is truly commendable.
Hon. Stella Okotete’s academic journey is an impressive testament to her thirst for knowledge and personal growth. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in International Studies and Diplomacy from Benson Idahosa University, Nigeria, and a Diploma in Law from the Rivers State College of Arts and Sciences, Nigeria. Her quest for academic excellence led her to pursue a Master’s degree in Peace Studies and Conflict Resolution from the National Open University of Nigeria, and she is currently pursuing an Executive Master’s in Business Administration (EMBA) at the esteemed University of Abuja, Nigeria. Her insatiable hunger for learning has also led her to acquire certifications from prestigious institutions such as Harvard University’s John F. Kennedy School of Government, the University of Virginia, INSEAD Business School in France, University of Oxford’s Saïd Business School in the UK, Pan Atlantic University’s Enterprise Development Center in Nigeria, and Columbia Business School in New York, USA.
Appointed by His Excellency, Muhammadu Buhari, former President of Nigeria, as the Executive Director of Business Development at NEXIM Bank in 2017, Hon. Stella Okotete brought a wealth of diverse experiences from both the private and public sectors to her role. Leading the Business Development Directorate, she has been instrumental in driving transformative initiatives that have catalyzed economic growth and empowered entrepreneurs.
Hon. Stella Okotete’s vision for job creation and foreign exchange generation birthed the “Women and Youth Export Facility” (WAYEF) and the “Small and Medium Export Enterprise Facility” (SMEEF). These groundbreaking programs are designed to support women, youth, and small and medium enterprises in the non-oil export value chain, fostering economic diversification and sustainable development.
The Nigerian Export Academy (NEXA) is yet another testament to Hon. Stella Okotete’s visionary leadership. Launched in 2021, NEXA is a digital learning platform that equips current and potential exporters in Nigeria and beyond with the knowledge and skills needed to thrive in the global market.
Throughout her journey in both public and private sectors, Hon. Stella Okotete has left a lasting legacy of positive change, empowerment, and unity.
Her strategic leadership as the focal person for the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) in Delta State led to measurable improvements in critical areas such as healthcare, education, poverty alleviation, and environmental sustainability.
As an advocate for job creation, industrialization, and economic diversification, her contributions at NEXIM Bank have opened new doors of opportunity for Nigerian entrepreneurs. With her visionary approach and digital initiatives, she has bridged the gap between the government and the people, transforming governance for the better.
Hon. Stella Erhuvwuoghene Okotete FCE, PFD, is not only a trailblazer in education and leadership but also a champion of empowerment, inclusivity, and progress. Her unwavering dedication to transforming Nigeria and making a positive impact has positioned her as a leading figure in the nation’s journey towards prosperity and development.
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