Arunma Oteh at 60: Woman at the Top

Arunma Oteh’s journey has been, without a doubt, one of brilliance, resilience, and service. From a young woman with a hunger for knowledge to a towering figure in global finance, unwavering dedication has been the grand theme of her narrative. As she turns 60, she stands as a symbol of integrity, vision, and excellence.

Born in Abia State, Oteh’s intellect shone early. She earned a first-class degree in Computer Science from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, before advancing to Harvard Business School for her MBA. This foundation equipped her to break barriers in a field where precision, discipline, and innovation define success.

Her career took off at the African Development Bank (AfDB), where she played a pivotal role in managing investments and raising capital. At a time when Africa’s financial structures needed reinforcement, Oteh was among those who steered them towards strength and credibility, steadying sustainability and economic progress.

When she took the helm as Director-General of Nigeria’s Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) in 2010, the capital market was in turmoil. Investor confidence was shaky, and regulatory frameworks needed urgent reform. Oteh tackled these challenges with boldness, implementing policies that restored trust, strengthened oversight, and modernized Nigeria’s financial sector.

Her brilliance did not go unnoticed. In 2015, she was appointed Vice President and Treasurer of the World Bank, overseeing a $200 billion debt portfolio and managing assets of equal value. This role placed her at the heart of global financial stability, ensuring that resources were efficiently allocated to nations striving for economic growth.

Even after stepping away from frontline financial leadership, Oteh’s influence has remained strong. As an academic scholar at Oxford University and a non-executive board member at Ecobank, she continues to shape the future of finance. Her wealth of experience now serves as a guide for emerging leaders seeking to navigate the complexities of global markets.

At 60, Oteh is more than a celebrated economist; she is a role model, an advocate for ethical leadership, and a woman who has left an indelible mark on finance, governance, and development. Her legacy is one of courage, intelligence, and an unshakable commitment to progress—one that will inspire generations to come.