Ex-Finance Minister Kemi Breaks Silence, “Resigning Was My Best Decision”
The former Minister of Finance, Kemi Adeosun, has offered a rare and deeply personal look into one of the most talked about political exits in recent Nigerian history, asserting that the Kemi Adeosun NYSC Certificate Resignation remains the best decision of her life. Speaking at a recent leadership forum, the former finance chief reflected on the 2018 controversy involving her National Youth Service Corps exemption certificate, which was discovered to be invalid. Rather than viewing the event as a moment of defeat, Adeosun described it as a vital act of personal integrity that allowed her to preserve her name and peace of mind while protecting the reputation of the administration she served.
During her detailed account, Adeosun explained that as a professional born and raised in the United Kingdom, she had relied on trusted associates to navigate the local administrative requirements upon her return to Nigeria. When the discrepancies in her documentation were brought to light, the shock was immense. She noted that she felt a deep sense of responsibility to the Nigerian public, believing that holding a high office requires total transparency. The decision to step down was not forced by external pressure but was an internal mandate to stay true to her values, even when many political peers suggested she “weather the storm” and remain in office.
The former minister highlighted the emotional toll the saga took on her family and career, yet she maintained that the clarity she gained from the experience was invaluable. By resigning, she felt she regained control over her narrative and proved that accountability is possible at the highest levels of government. Adeosun emphasized that the period following her exit was one of profound reflection and growth, leading her to focus on philanthropic endeavors and her “DashMe” foundation, which supports vulnerable orphans and displaced persons. She noted that the transition from a powerful cabinet position to a private citizen allowed her to find a different, perhaps more impactful, way to contribute to society.
Ultimately, her story serves as a case study in corporate and political ethics. Adeosun concluded that the legacy of a leader is not just in the policies they implement but in how they handle adversity and mistakes. She expressed no regrets about her time in office or the manner of her departure, stating that the experience taught her that life continues beyond the corridors of power. For many observers, her willingness to speak openly about the incident years later reinforces a message of resilience, suggesting that while the documentation error was a significant hurdle, it did not define the totality of her contribution to Nigeria’s economic reforms.