From Barefoot Boy to the United Nations/ILO: Dr Eleazar Iwuji on the 5 Most Influential People Who Shaped Him

S03E05 - Dr Eleazar Iwuji In this deeply human conversation, Dr Eleazar Iwuji—born in rural Nigeria, a teacher-turned-academic, judge of Nigeria’s National Industrial Court, and later a United Nations/ILO official—shares the 5 most influential people in his life and how they forged his character, career, faith and service. You’ll hear how parental courage, a mentor’s belief, a wife’s wisdom, friends’ extraordinary generosity, and a Mauritanian UN leader’s advocacy propelled a journey from no shoes at 14 to global impact. Who is Dr Eleazar Iwuji? Nigerian educator, former Judge, National Industrial Court (Lagos) Later International Labour Organization (UN) official Author of Memoir of a Country Boy Father to accomplished children in medicine, diplomacy, the arts, and academia The 5 Most Influential People His Parents (Mother & Father) – Faith, discipline, equality, courage (“How can a tiger have a sheep?”), and a fierce commitment to education. Alfred (mentor/friend) – Spotted potential, mapped an alternative route via teacher training, and armed him with better materials (e.g., Dudley Stamp’s Geography of the World) to pass key exams. Dorothy (his late wife) – Intelligent, decisive, faith-filled partner; community-builder and home-science entrepreneur who trained street girls in Addis Ababa; her counsel steadied him after setbacks and clinched the ILO decision. Emmanuel & Jonathan (college friends) – Lifelong allies who funded £300 of the £450 needed to get him to the UK—sacrificing months of salary and changing his trajectory. Elimane Kane (Mauritania, ILO) – Senior ILO leader who kept opening doors, commissioning research, and ultimately recruiting him to the UN/ILO. What you’ll learn How character + community beat circumstance Practical models of mentorship, partnership, generosity, and leadership - Why investing in education compounds across generations The power of faith, humility, service, and respect for every person