If Stella Erhuvwuoghene Okotete’s success story is well scribbled’ it will make a best-selling play if well adapted and also cast with an A-list actor to bring the characterization to life. Because it teaches determination, tenacity and hard work. Thriving in a male-dominated world is more reason for her to remain solid and firm thereby staying ahead of her game to become a force to reckon with thereby grounding the clichéd woven around women who limit their ability to soar higher. With her numerous degrees and current status as an Executive Director (Business Development) at Nigeria Export-Import Bank NEXIM, she kick-started her political sojourn with the All Progressives Congress, the first elected Councilor in Ughelli-North Local Government Area of Delta State from 2008 – 2011. When her name was penned down as a minister-designate but was not cleared by the Department of State Security Service for onward screening by the senate; Okotete quickly moved on by remaining focused and refused to hold grudges against anyone or blame anyone.
Rather, she has continued to learn and contribute her quota to the country’s development in her capacity as a top echelon at NEXIM bank. Despite naysayers trying hard to discredit her and also cast aspersions on her she has remained unperturbed by using her weight to enhance technological empowerment for women through training for businesses to engage in the Exportation of goods and services to earn forex.
On the 20th of April she will be celebrating her 40th birthday. We also gathered that due to the current situation of the country and the dwindling economy also as a public servant with human feelings instead of the usual fanfare attached to birthdays celebrations like many of her peers would have done; She will kickstart the celebration with a modest way with a Night of Worship on Friday the 19th of April 2024 at the GT event Centre in Warri, Delta State.
On Saturday which is the day she would clock 40; she has opted to share her joy with the downtrodden and extending her hands of love to the needy where she will be reaching out through an empowerment scheme at the Okotete Street in Ugheli; Delta State where she will be handing out palliatives and other items that will cushion the biting economy to the needy as a philanthropic gesture.
She will wrap the celebration up with a Church Thanksgiving service on Sunday the 21st of April at the Christ Missionary Crusaders in Ekpan Warri in celebration mode just to celebrate and appreciate her creator for availing her the gift of life on Mother Earth despite the turbulent time she witness while moving to the top.
Sources say; No fanfare celebration as she has only invited her close friends and relatives to church where she would thank God and dance like David danced in celebration mood.
Top government officials and political stakeholders will be in attendance to share in her pot full of joy. Okotete is quite excited as it marks the beginning of a new journey in her life and she is making it a grand celebration with thanks to her creator for putting her on a high pedestal early in life.