Diezani-Alison Madueke remains one of Nigeria's most significant leaders. Even though it's been eight years since she has worked in a political position, it is essential to discuss this woman's legacy who steered the petroleum ministry, the only sector that generates over 80 per cent of Nigeria's revenue. She worked hard to bring the Nigerian oil and gas sector into the global limelight and ensure its relevance in international communities.

First off, we mustn't fail to note that Mrs Alison Madueke's educational background and initial career enabled her record-breaking career within and outside government work. In Port Harcourt, Rivers State, she was born to Shell executive Chief Frederick Abiye Agama and nurse and midwife Beatrice Oyete Agama (née Porbeni). Frederick Agama is said to have been one of the key figures in forming the Bayelsa state.

Diezani went to Howard University in the United States after studying architecture in England. When she returned to Nigeria in 1992, she joined Shell Petroleum Development Company. She began her career in the estates' division. She earned her MBA from Cambridge University in 2002. She progressed through the ranks at Shell to become the company's first female executive director. Alison-Madueke received an honorary Doctorate in Management Sciences from the Nigerian Defence Academy in Kaduna in September 2011.

Diezani first entered the Nigerian political scene in July 2007, holding three key positions, the first of which was as Transport Minister. She was appointed Minister of Mines and Steel Development in December 2008. Vice-President Goodluck Jonathan, who took over as acting President in February 2010, disbanded the cabinet on March 17, 2010, and swore in a new cabinet on April 6, 2010, with Diezani Alison-Madueke as Minister of Petroleum Resources.

After resuming office in 2011, Mrs Alison Madueke immediately started her mission to reform the Nigerian oil sector and increase its economic advantage to provide a better life for all Nigerian citizens. Meanwhile, hers is the most record-breaking career for any female politician in the Nigerian government.

Her first reformative action was to promote the Nigerian Content Act, which President Goodluck Jonathan signed in April 2010. The purpose of the law is to increase the number of petroleum industry contracts to be awarded to local Nigerian-owned businesses. It also aims to reduce the domination of the petroleum sector by foreign investors.

Fortunately, The Nigerian Content Act proved to be a welcome change for all Nigerians, including rural and poor citizens. It resulted in more than 15,000 direct jobs from the time the act was passed. Also, it provided 10,000 training and attachment opportunities for Nigerians based on the Energy Mix Report of July 2013