Dr. (Mrs.) Kema Chikwe
The only female minister of cabinet rank in the fourth republic administration of President Olusegun Obasanjo, she has been variously described as "The Iron Lady," "The Executive Madam," "La Femme Gazelle," and "The Fashion Lady." And she’s been in it for just four months.
Kemafo Nonyerem Chikwe, Ph.D. (nee Ejiogu) is one of the few female rising stars in Nigeria, where women officially outnumber men, yet there are only three women senators in a class of 109 and less than 10 in a class of 359 federal legislators.
Make no mistake about it, she has the courage and the conviction, a golden (not "iron") lady—if one must use a metallic metaphor. She is in charge, and she minces no words about it. A gazelle? It depends on how one looks at it, but the lady sure has class. Fashion? Her elegant style is setting trends, but there is a busy brain on those delicate shoulders. Above all the perceptions and politics, Dr. Chikwe is determined to make a difference.
She was received by New Jersey Nigerian community in September, 1999. Her speech and letter of appreciation were exclusively published by KWENU
(speech opens in a new window)