Tech: Twitter has appointed Nigeria's ex-finance minister, Okonjo-Iweala, as a board member

Also appointed is former World Bank chief Robert Zoellick as the microblogging site reshuffled its board.

Twitter has announced the appointment of Nigeria's former finance minister, Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala to its board of directors.

Also appointed is former World Bank chief Robert Zoellick as the microblogging site reshuffled its board.

According to a statement issued by the tech giant, the American-born British business executive and former CEO of Pearson Plc, Marjorie Scardino, who became Twitter first female board member in 2013 will be stepping down from the Board for personal reasons at the end of the year.

Omid Kordestani, Executive Chairman of Twitter said: "Ngozi and Bob are distinguished leaders with unparalleled global perspective and policy expertise."

"We are confident they will be incredible assets to Twitter as we continue to focus on driving transparency and making Twitter a safer, healthier place for everyone who uses our service."

 

Kordestani added, "On behalf of the Twitter Board, I want to thank Marjorie for her service on the Twitter Board over the past five years. Marjorie joined the Board in 2013 and has been a strong voice on our board as our Lead Independent Director. Marjorie's insights and contributions have been invaluable, and all of us at Twitter wish her the best and look forward to her contributions through the end of the year."

Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala excited

Dr Okonjo-Iweala, while accepting the appointment noted that: "Twitter is a powerful platform that continues to be used as a strong connector for the global community, and I'm thrilled to be a part of the team."

"As we strive to build a better world for tomorrow, Twitter can amplify messages and drive critical conversations around today's most important issues. I look forward to partnering with Twitter's talented directors and leadership team as we work to leverage the power of Twitter for good," the former minister said.

"I'm honoured to join a company as purposeful as Twitter," added Zoellick.

 

"Twitter has made meaningful progress in expanding and encouraging global dialogue and creativity on its platform, and I'm privileged to work with Jack, Omid and the rest of the Board to continue the strong momentum underway."

Their appointments have been filled by Twitter with the New York Securities and Exchange Commission.

About Okonjo-Iweala

The 64-year-old economist served as Nigeria's finance minister between 2003 to 2015 under the leadership of President Olusegun Obasanjo and President Umaru Musa Yaradu'a. Her role was expanded under President Goodluck Jonathan as Coordinating Minister for the Economy.

During her first term as Minister of Finance under President Obasanjo’s Administration, she spearheaded negotiations with the Paris Club of Creditors that led to the wiping out of US$30 billion of Nigeria’s debt, including the outright cancellation of US$18 billion.

With her activities at the World Bank, Lazard, Nelson Mandela Institution, Harvard University Advisory Council, the University of Oxford Martin School’s Advisory Council among others, Iweala will be joining the board of Twitter with a vast wealth of experience at time the tech firm is battling fake news and spam accounts.

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