NIGERIA: Ohanaeze Applauds Okonjo-Iweala’s Historic Re-Election As WTO Director-General

By Onoja Baba, Nigeria

Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, the apex socio-cultural organization of the Igbo people, has lauded Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala on her re-election for a second term as the Director-General of the World Trade Organization (WTO).

In a congratulatory statement issued on Tuesday by its National Publicity Secretary, Dr. Alex Ogbonnia, Ohanaeze praised Dr. Okonjo-Iweala as a trailblazer, accomplished administrator, and a source of pride for the Igbo community and Nigeria at large.

The organisation highlighted her illustrious career, noting her pivotal role in Nigeria’s economic reforms as a two-time Minister of Finance. Okonjo-Iweala is celebrated for her efforts in combating corruption, enhancing transparency, and leading negotiations that secured $18 billion in debt relief for Nigeria under the administration of President Olusegun Obasanjo.

Eulogizing her, the statement read: “She not only abhorred corruption and the characteristic mundane hubris in power, but she also initiated institutional reforms to reduce corruption in Nigeria. She introduced bureaucratic mechanisms to increase transparency in public offices.

“The suave Okonjo-Iweala spearheaded negotiations with the Paris Club for debt relief for Nigeria, including an outright cancellation of US $18 billion in debt. She is one of the few women who have made the Forbes list of 100 Most Powerful Women in the world for seven years; and many more.”

Ohanaeze emphasized that her re-election was a testament to her “untainted pedigree” and “stellar performance” during her first term as WTO Director-General, where she became the first woman and the first African to hold the position in March 2021.

Ambassador Okey Emuchay, Secretary-General of Ohanaeze, described Okonjo-Iweala as “the epitome of Igbo virtues—ingenuity, integrity, elegance, and diligence.”

The group expressed confidence in her ability to continue delivering excellent leadership on the global stage, saying, “We are very proud of you.”

Ohanaeze concluded its message with heartfelt goodwill: “On behalf of all the structures of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, please accept our felicitations and goodwill as always.”

Dr. Okonjo-Iweala’s historic achievement has been widely celebrated as a beacon of excellence and an inspiration to Nigerians and Africans aspiring to leadership roles on the global stage.