The true test of excellence is the ability to remain steadfast in one’s belief despite the setbacks and challenges that may come in the way. You can only earn popular respect when you’re able to shutdown the naysayers and achieve your goals no matter the cost. This is the true legacy of Diezani Alison Madueke, one of Nigeria’s most influential female leaders.

She is a revolutionary leader who previously served in highly competitive roles in Nigerian Ministries. Mrs Alison Madueke was appointed as the Minister of Transportation and Minister of Mines and Steel Development. However, she is known for her leadership of the Oil and Gas Ministry. During her tenure as Petroleum Minister, she implemented several initiatives formulated to revolutionize the Petroleum Industry in Nigeria and to ensure a globally competitive Oil and Gas Sector.

Under Diezani Alison Madueke’s administration, the Nigerian Oil Content Development Act was enacted to influence indigenous participation and local industry development within the oil and gas sector. The act encouraged more Nigerian-owned private companies to invest in the oil industry. It made provision for more exports and local manufacturers within the country. For one, according to the Act, all pipelines used in the sector must be from Nigeria.

The Nigerian Gas Masterplan is also a brainchild of Diezani Alison Madueke. It was worked very stringently, to ensure Nigeria not only moved from gas to power, but also from gas to industry, and to ensure we got value for our gas to export. Napim News reported in 2011 that Diezani Alison Madueke also oversaw the crucial elements of the Nigeria Gas Master Plan's implementation. These were all designed to make the most of the natural resource's potential for economic expansion.

During her tenure, Nigerian had major infrastructure development to encourage more investments. These infrastructure also helped to make the country’s oil and gas sector relevant in global markets. With the deployment of the Usan floating, production, storage, and offloading complex, the Deepwater Oil production was significantly increased, and the integrity of the critical product pipeline infrastructure was restored.

Additionally, In March 2012, under Alison-Madueke, the Fluid Catalytic Cracking Unit at the Kaduna Refinery was commissioned for the first time in eight years. She was also in charge of the Oil and Gas Industrial Park, which gave Nigerians, notably those from Bayelsa, possibilities. Under Diezani's leadership, the project and infrastructure construction received investments totaling more over $100 million. Over 50,000 employment were created by the complex, which served as a manufacturing base for equipment used in the oil and gas industry.

Indeed, it is true that not all heroes wear capes but we must do well to recognize Madam Diezani Alison Madueke’s impact in the Nigerian Oil and Gas sector. However, despite her efforts and strides to ensure development, Diezani Alison Madueke has been subjected to press ridicule. She is being used as a symbol of corruption without any opportunity to defend herself.

Throughout the history of Nigerian government, few leaders have managed a track record of success like Diezani Alison Madueke. She is an exemplary leader who deserves to be celebrated and not persecuted for her achievements in the Nigerian Government.