In Nigeria’s leadership tapestry, few figures are as compelling as Hon. Stella Erhuvwuoghene Okotete. Hon. Stella is celebrated across the Niger Delta and beyond as THE LIONESS OF THE NIGER DELTA. This epithet reflects not only her formidable presence but also her proven records in economic reform, women empowerment and grassroots advocacy.
Driven by passion for service, Hon. Stella Okotete is one whose Leadership is forged in Excellence with impressive academic pedigree. She holds a Bachelor’s in International Studies and Diplomacy, a Diploma in Law, a Master’s in Peace Studies and Conflict Resolution, and she’s completing an EMBA at the University of Abuja.
Hon. Stella also boasts advanced programs from Harvard Kennedy School, INSEAD, Oxford’s Saïd Business School, Columbia Business School, among others (Vanguard News, News Nigeria).
Since her appointment as Executive Director, Business Development at the Nigeria Export & Import (NEXIM) Bank in 2017, Hon. Stella has orchestrated a dramatic institutional turnaround, transforming NEXIM Bank through Resilience in Economic Governance.
To mention but a few of her achievements, NEXIM Bank Operating profit shifted from ₦8 billion loss to ₦3.8 billion surplus by 2021, Non-performing loans plunged from 94% in 2017 to 29% by December 2021, the bank’s total assets swelled by over 200%, attracting more than ₦100 billion in new funding (According to Podium Reporters and The Nation Newspaper).
Others include; Debt recovery surged from ₦40 million pre-2017 to ₦1.24 billion in annual recoveries between 2017 and 2020, totaling nearly ₦11.9 billion over five years (The Nation Newspaper). By May 2023, the bank’s balance sheet expanded from ₦67.7 billion to ₦246.5 billion as Profits grew from ₦567 million loss in 2017 to ₦6.23 billion in 2022 (Vanguard News). These outcomes repositioned the bank as a robust engine for non-oil export financing and economic diversification.
Hon. Stella’s leadership spawned key programs Innovative creating financial tools for Inclusion of Women and Youth Export Facility (WAYEF) and Small and Medium Export Enterprise Facility (SMEEF) to boost access to finance for women, youth, and SMEs in export sectors. The Nigerian Export Academy (NEXA), a digital learning initiative launched in 2021 to empower aspiring exporters through expert-led courses, NEXA mobile app conceived to train up to 5 million exporters in five years, stands as a landmark in accessible export education, Advocacy for value-added exports through initiatives like PAVE (Produce, Add Value and Export)
Earlier in her career, Stella Okotete, as one who roots in Grassroots and Humanitarianism served as a Councilor in Ughelli-North LGA of Delta State and served as the MDGs State Focal Person (2011–2015) in Delta State. She led MSME policies, community investment guidelines, and supported initiatives for IDPs in Ughelli, Maiduguri and Abuja. She also spearheaded philanthropic efforts, including a long-standing commitment to supporting an orphanage for over a decade.
As National Women Leader of the APC’s Caretaker/CECPC body, Hon. Stella Okotete established the Progressive Young Women Forum (PYWF), the Progressive Women Movement which were active across Nigeria’s 774 LGAs Empowering Women Politically and Institutionally.
Her leadership in organizing events like the 2022 Progressives Women Conference, which gathered over 600 women, and her role in coordinating campaigns across presidential election cycles highlight her impact on women’s political inclusion.
Her commitment to excellence has been widely acknowledged and celebrated with Outstanding Awards and Recognition as Most Outstanding Women Philanthropist across the Political Landscape. (WESHNET, 2022) Outstanding Youth Enabler (Young CEOs Honours Roll, 2022), Icon of Humanitarian Service, Integrity, Vision & Development (2017–2020), Honored by Delta APC as a trailblazer fostering economic growth and women empowerment, a recognition that cements her as the “Lioness of the Niger Delta”.
MY OPINION
The title “Lioness of the Niger Delta” encapsulates the essence of Hon. Stella Erhuvwuoghene Okotete’s story, a leader defined not just by roles and titles, but by measurable impact, transformative leadership, and unwavering commitment to empowerment and ensuring equity.
Her journey blends grassroots compassion, financial acumen, political strategy, and digital innovation making her roar of progress echo across the region and inspiring new generations.
God bless Hon. Stella Erhuvwuoghene Okotete (Amen).
Feel welcomed to sharing your thoughts, opinions, ideas or corrections through my WhatsApp : +2349061734362
Thanks, stay positive and be blessed. We are in the struggle for Renewed Nigeria and a Prosperous Delta State.
SIGNED:
Comr. Elijah Ovedje
National Convener Of U.Y.A
Delta State Secretary P.P.R
