Accolades have continued to pour in for Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, the first African to be confirmed Director-General of the World Trade Organisation, WTO.
The Cross River State Governor Professor Ben Ayade, who joined other Nigerians to pour encomiums on Okonjo-Iweala after she was confirmed as head of the WTO, described her as the “poster girl of unassailable attainments and a record breaker, who has not only shattered a glass-ceiling but has continually proved her mettle and brought honour to the country.”
A statement signed by Christian Ita, the Special Adviser on Media and Publicity to the Governor of Cross River State in south-south Nigeria, indicated that Professor Ayade said, “we are extremely proud of one of our very best, our own dear Ngozi, who has just emerged the first African, first woman and the first black Director General of WTO”.
The statement quoted Ayade as saying, “as the former Managing Director of the World Bank, Finance Minister, Foreign Affairs Minister and co-ordinating minister of the economy, Dr. OKonjo-Iweala brilliantly distinguished herself to the applause of her country men and women and admiration of the world. It is not therefore, a surprise that the international community found her suitable for the exalted office of the WTO.”
The governor expressed optimism that the Nigeria would benefit immensely from her new role.
“I have no doubt that her wealth of knowledge will be of huge benefit to Nigeria, particularly Cross River, and the world at large”, Ayade further said.
Nigeria’s Pride
Similarly, Otei Aso, a business man in Calabar congratulated Okonjo-Iweala for maintaining a record, noting “when she was here as the Minister of Finance, she tried to turned around the economy of this country. Okonjo-Iweala is a woman of substance and representing Nigeria. I am happy about that.”
Fidelis Ugbe, a public affairs analyst was glad about the appointment of the former Finance Minister, saying “her appointment is a good thing that has happened to us as Nigerians and Africa in a long while. As an economist, Okonjo-Iweala is a star, a gift to Africa and Nigeria in particular. She has been many first. I am so passionate about how and thank God for honouring Nigeria. She is the pride of Nigeria and Africa as a whole.”
Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala served twice as Nigeria’s Finance Minister from 2003 to 2006, 2011 to 2015 and briefly as Foreign Affairs Minister in 2006.
While serving as Finance Minister in Nigeria, Okonjo-Iweala was responsible for leading reforms that enhance transparency of government accounts and strengthened institutions against corruptions including the implementation of the Integrated Personnel and Payroll Management System, IPPIS and Treasury Single Accounts, TSA.
Dominica Nwabufo
