Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, Nigeria’s former Minister of Finance, has become the first woman and African to be named the Director-General of the World Trade Organisation.
The Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Publicity, Garba Shehu, quoted President Muhammadu Buhari, as congratulating Okonjo-Iweala.
He quoted the President as saying that the development had brought joy and more honour to the country.
Shehu, in a statement, said, “On behalf of the Federal Government and all Nigerians, President Muhammadu Buhari warmly felicitates with former Minister of Finance and Economy, Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, on her election as Director General of the World Trade Organisation, bringing joy and more honour to the country.
“As the Harvard-educated and renowned economist takes up another onerous task of service to the world and humanity, the President believes her track record of integrity, diligence and passion for development will continue to yield positive results and rewards to mankind.
“The President joins family, friends and colleagues in wishing Dr Okonjo-Iweala well in her new endeavour.”
The Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Adeniyi Adebayo, in his speech on behalf of the Federal Government, delivered via Zoom at the Special General Council Meeting of the organisation in Geneva, Switzerland on Monday, said the process of selection was transparent.
He said the credit for the resulting success must go to the entire membership.
Adebayo was quoted in statement issued by his aide, Ifedayo Sayo, as saying, “Nigeria wishes to express profound gratitude and deep appreciation to all the members, who in one way or the other assisted Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala during the campaign period.
“Thanks also goes to all the regional groupings in the WTO for granting audience and support during and after the exercise.”
The minister described Okonjo-Iweala as one of the few on the global stage that enjoyed high recognition in view of charismatic leadership qualities and proven records of excellence and integrity, along with international political connections.
The President of the Senate, Ahmed Lawan, in a statement by his media office, also congratulated Nigeria on the latest feat of its ‘great daughter’ on the international stage.
“With her latest feat, the former Nigerian Minister of Finance and Managing Director of the World Bank has again brought honour to Nigeria, Africa and women everywhere,” Lawan said.
The Governor of Delta State, Dr Ifeanyi Okowa, assured Okonjo-Iweala of the support of her home state and the entire country.
This was contained in a certified social media post by the governor.
Okowa said, “Over the years, we have all followed your growth and celebrated your noteworthy achievements. This is why, as you begin your new role at the helm of the WTO, I want you to know that you have the unwavering support of both your home state and your country.”
The Speaker, House of Representatives, Femi Gbajabiamila, and the minority caucus in the House also congratulated the new WTO boss.
Gbajabiamila, in a statement issued on Monday by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Lanre Lasisi, said Okonjo-Iweala’s unanimous confirmation by the WTO was a testament to her years of experience in the financial sector both at home and abroad.
Gbajabiamila said with Okonjo-Iweala’s pedigree, he believed that she would take the WTO to enviable heights during her term as the DG.
