President Buhari congratulates Okonjo-Iweala for 'bringing joy and honour to Nigeria'
President Buhari says Okonjo-Iweala set many records as Nigeria's minister of finance.
Buhari nominated Okonjo-Iweala for the position of DG of WTO in June of 2020 (Presidency)
Recommended articles
Buhari approved Okonjo-Iweala's nomination for the position in June of 2020, after withdrawing the candidacy of Yonov Frederick Agah, Nigeria’s permanent representative to the WTO.
"We will not relent until the goal is achieved," Buhari tweeted in October.
ADVERTISEMENT
"On behalf of the federal government and all Nigerians, President 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 for bringing joy and more honour to the country," the president's spokesperson, Garba Shehu, quoted the president as saying in a statement.
"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.
"President Buhari affirms that Dr Okonjo-Iweala, who over the years set major records of economic reforms in Nigeria as Minister of Finance and later Minister of Foreign Affairs, will excel in her new position and validate the global mandate of repositioning and strengthening the multilateral institution for the greater good of all.
"The president joins family, friends and colleagues in wishing Dr. Okonjo-Iweala well in her new endeavour," the statement adds.
Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala is the first woman and first African to head the WTO (AFP)
Pulse Nigeria
ADVERTISEMENT
Okonjo-Iweala, 66, will lead the multilateral trade body from 2021 to 2025.
She spent 25 years at the World Bank as a development economist, rising to the position of Managing Director.
She has also chaired the board of Gavi, the global vaccine alliance company which is helping to distribute COVID-19 vaccines globally.
She also sits on the board of social media company, Twitter.
She is the first woman and first African to head the WTO in the organisation's 26-year history.
JOIN OUR PULSE COMMUNITY!
ADVERTISEMENT
Eyewitness? Submit your stories now via social or:
Email: eyewitness@pulse.ng
Recommended articles
Dangote Refinery set for production with arrival of 950,000 barrels of crude
XtraWins: Access Bank launches 12 Days of Christmas campaign to delight customers
Ericsson report forecasts 85% of global population to have 5G by 2029, with Africa leading the way
Dangote refinery finally receives its first shipment of crude after years of delay
10 African countries with the highest debts to the IMF
Demand for used cars in Nigeria surges amid high inflation and declining GDP
Hero Motocorp partners with Tolaram group to bolster presence in Nigeria
Most powerful African women in the world 2023
World Bank to provide electricity for 100 million Africans by 2030
ADVERTISEMENT
