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Nigeria’s Okonjo-Iweala makes history as first female head of WTO

Bilkisu Halilu Pai
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Former Nigerian finance minister, Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala received unanimous backing on Monday to become the first woman and first African director-general of the World Trade Organization.

A self-declared “doer” with a track record of taking on seemingly intractable problems, Okonjo-Iweala will have her work cut out for her at the trade body.

As director-general, a position that wields limited formal power, Okonjo-Iweala, 66, will need to broker international trade talks in the face of persistent U.S.-China conflict; respond to pressure to reform trade rules; and counter protectionism heightened by the COVID-19 pandemic.

In her acceptance speech at the WTO, she said that getting a trade deal at the next major ministerial meeting would be a “top priority” and also urged members to reject vaccine nationalism, according to a delegate attending the closed meeting, which was held virtually.

In the same speech, she described the challenges facing the body as “numerous and tricky but not insurmountable”. She is set to begin work on March 1.

The U.S. delegate said that Washington was committed to working closely with her and would be a “constructive partner” while China’s delegate pledged “full support” for her.

EU trade commissioner Valdis Dombrovskis said he looked forward to working closely with her to drive “much-needed reform of the institution”.

A 25-year veteran of the World Bank, where she oversaw an $81 billion portfolio, Okonjo-Iweala ran against seven other candidates by espousing a belief in trade’s ability to lift people out of poverty.

She studied development economics at Harvard after experiencing civil war in Nigeria as a teenager. She returned to the country in 2003 to serve as finance minister and backers point to her hard-nose negotiating skills that helped seal a deal to cancel billions of dollars of Nigerian debt with the Paris Club of creditor nations in 2005.

The endorsement of the Biden administration cleared the last obstacle to her appointment.

Okonjo-Iweala becomes one of the few female heads of a major multilateral body. When she joins the WTO’s Geneva lakeside headquarters, her portrait is set to be hung beside others of men,

The Trump administration’s main criticism of her was that she lacked direct trade experience compared to her main South Korean rival and even supporters say she will have to quickly get up to speed on the technicalities of trade negotiations.

She has rejected this, saying that she has plenty of experience of trade plus other expertise.

“The qualities I have are even better,” she said.

Raised by academics, the mother-of-four earned a reputation for hard work and modesty amid the pomp of Nigeria’s governing class, acquaintances say.

Okonjo-Iweala, who is a special envoy for the World Health Organization on COVID-19 and, until recently chair of the board of global vaccine alliance Gavi, has said that trade’s contribution to public health would be a priority.

WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus called Okonjo-Iweala the “WTO’s perfect chief”.

The WTO currently faces deadlock over an issue of waiving intellectual property rights for COVID-19 drugs, with many wealthy countries opposed.

High on the to-do list will also be fisheries subsidies, the subject of the WTO’s main multilateral talks that missed a deadline to conclude by end-2020.

Asked about the challenges ahead, she joked that a book she wrote about fixing Nigeria’s broken institutions could well apply to today’s WTO: ‘Reforming the Unreformable’.

Delta state Governor,others ,felicitate with Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala

Ime Njoku
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Governor Ifeanyi Okowa of Delta State and Senate President Ahmad Lawan have congratulated Nigeria’s former finance minister over her appointment as the Director-General of the World Trade Organisation.

This is as a former governor of Anambra State, Peter Obi, described Okonjo-Iweala as a “shining star”.

They said this while reacting to the former finance minister’s appointment via their Twitter handles.

Okowa said, “On behalf of all Deltans, I join all Nigerians in congratulating one of our most renowned citizens, Ngozi Okonjo Iweala, on her emergence as the next Director-General of the World Trade Organisation.

“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!”

Obi said Okonjo-Iweala’s appointment didn’t come as a surprise, noting that “Dr. (Mrs) Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala has always been a shinning star, not just in our country Nigeria, but across the world where her leadership impact has been felt.

“Her appointment for this lofty position as DG @WTO has not come as a surprise to those of us who know her well. I am definitely sure she will perform creditably in her new assignment.”
Senate President also congratulated Okonjo-Iweala on her emergence as WTO DG

Lawan urged the new Director-General to deploy her famed intellect, experience, energy, and integrity in leading the WTO to promote global prosperity through fair trade.

He applauded the quiet but dogged diplomacy of Nigeria and the unwavering commitment of President Muhammadu Buhari which, no doubt, contributed to the acknowledgment of the sterling credentials of Dr Okonjo-Iweala and her ultimate triumph in the prolonged contest for the very important position.

“I heartily rejoice with Dr Okonjo-Iweala on this well-deserved victory. 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 added.

Also, Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, said Okonjo-Iweala will bring her wealth of experience in building stronger alliances to promote multilateral trade, instill the needed discipline to advance the development of world economies and bridge trade gaps between developed and developing economies across the globe.

Obaseki said, “I felicitate with Dr. Ngozi Okonji-Iweala, former Minister of Finance, on her emergence as the first African and first female Director-General of the World Trade Organisation (WTO) in its 25-year history.

“Dr. Okonjo-Iweala, a fine economist and international development expert has in time past spearheaded several World Bank initiatives as a former Managing Director (Operations) and possesses a bundle of skills and experience required for this elevated role.

“As a two-time finance minister in Nigeria, Okonjo-Iweala left indelible marks as an astute manager of the nation’s economy and resources.

“I am confident that she will exceed expectations in this new assignment.”

 

Reps Minority Caucus Hails Okonjo-Iweala’s emergence as WTO DG

Ime Njoku
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The Minority Caucus in the House of Representatives has congratulated former Minister of Finance, Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, for her successful emergence as the Director General of the World Trade Organization (WTO) despite all the hurdles.

The caucus in a statement by its Leader Mr. Ndudi Elumelu, observed that the emergence of Okonjo-Iweala as DG of the world trade body, “has reinforced global confidence in international consensus and recognition of competence and proficiency over provincial considerations.

Indeed, the election of Dr. Okonjo-Iweala to head the WTO is well-deserving, given her wealth of experience, competence, commitment and track record of performance in global finance and economy as evinced in her successes as Nigeria’s minister of finance, Managing Director of the World Bank and various other international development bodies.

We commend the global community for having confidence in Dr. Okonjo Iweala and particularly, the United States President, His Excellency Joe Biden, for the unwavering support given to her by his administration, which is clearly in recognition of Dr. Okonjo-Iweala’s competence.

In the same vein our caucus commends the understanding and spirit of sportsmanship exhibited by the South Korean trade minister, Yoo Myung-hee in withdrawing from the race; another loud testament to Dr. Okonjo-Iweala’s suitability for the task ahead.” The Minority Leader stated.

The lawmakers charged Dr. Okonjo Iweala to, as usual, hit the ground running and bring to bear her skills, connections and wealth of experience in the onerous task of leading the WTO at this trying period in the history of global economy.

The caucus however urged the new WTO DG to have a special focus on Africa and the developing world, particularly at this time of economic recession, which has been worsened by the adverse effect of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Ime N

Speaker congratulates Okonjo-Iweala on emergence as WTO DG

Ime Njoku
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The Speaker of the House of Representatives Mr. Femi Gbajabiamila has congratulated Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala on her emergence as the Director-General of the World Trade Organization (WTO).

In a statement in Abuja, Mr. Gbajabiamila said Dr Okonjo-Iweala’s unanimous confirmation by the General Council of the WTO to head the body is a testament to her years of experience in the financial sector both at home and abroad.

The Speaker noted that the former two-time Finance Minister of Nigeria comes to office with a wealth of experience that spans several decades, saying her track record speaks volumes.

He said “with her pedigree, I believed she would take the World Trade Organization to enviable heights during her term as the DG.”

Mr. Gbajabiamila, who was elated by the news of Okonjo-Iweala’s emergence, said her confirmation has once again proved that Nigeria has experts that can compete favourably both at home and abroad.

He said “as the first female and first African to head the WTO, the former Finance Minister and an ex-World Bank Director comes to the office at the right time.”

While calling on the new WTO DG to make Nigeria and Africa proud, Gbajabiamila wished her a successful tenure in office.

Ime N

 

President Buhari Congratulates Okonjo-Iweala on her emergence as WTO Boss

Ime Njoku
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President Muhammadu Buhari  has warmly felicitated 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. 

 

In  a message, Presidential Spokesman Garba Shehu said:

“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.”

He further said the President joins family, friends and colleagues in wishing Dr Okonjo-Iweala well in her new endeavour.

 

Ime N

 

Nigerian Govt. lauds emergence Of Okonjo-Iweala as WTO Director-General

Amaka Nliam
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The Nigerian Government has described the selection of Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala as the Director-General of the World Trade Organization (WTO) as “the right choice, which will do the organization a lot of good in years to come”.

 

Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Mr Adeniyi Adebayo, said this in his speech delivered  via zoom at the Special General Council Meeting of the organization in Geneva, Switzerland.

 

He said the process of selection was not only transparent but the credit for the resulting success must go to the entire membership and the troika.

 

“Nigeria wishes to express profound gratitude and deep appreciation to all the members, who 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.

 

“We also thank the WTO Secretariat staff, translators and the press who worked really hard in supporting and providing updates to members and the general public on the Director-General selection process,”  he said.

 

The Minister in a statement by his Special Assistant on Media, Ifedayo Sayo, described Dr Okonjo-Iweala as one of the few on the global stage that enjoy high recognition in view of charismatic leadership qualities and proven records of excellence and integrity, along with international political connections.

 

“We believe that the new Director-General will lead this organization to achieve its purpose and mandate,”  he noted.

 

He assured that the new Director-General of the WTO would not disappoint the organization and all those who worked to make the appointment a reality.

 

“Dr. Ngozi during her campaign shared her thoughts on possible solutions that would be brought on board for discussion, consideration and implementation with a view to ensuring that the full mandates and functions of the WTO are enforced in accordance with the highest expectations of members.

 

“She also assured that she would work hard, with the support of members, to uphold the image and integrity of the WTO as a multilateral institution that was established to serve members equally.

 

“Likewise, she will put more effort towards mediating among members to ensure that factors responsible for divergences on various negotiating issues are addressed and streamlined so that the 12th Ministerial Conference (MC-12) will have fruitful outcomes on some basic issues,”  the minister added.

 

The minister called on all members to give the new Director-General all the cooperation, support and solidarity that would be required for her to work with a view to making the WTO a truly outstanding multilateral institution.

 

 

FCT: Minister of state tasks STDD, stakeholders on waste management

Mosunmola Ore
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The Minister of State, Nigeria Federal Capital Territory Administration, FCTA, Dr. Ramatu Tijjani Aliyu, has called on the Satellite Towns Development Department (STDD), and other stakeholders to take responsibility in waste management in rural communities and satellite towns of the territory.

Specifically, the Minister maintained that the Federal Capital Territory which serves as the seat of government has been faced with the challenges of waste management owing to frequency of household waste collections and the limited collection coverage.

The Minister who made the call at the occasion of the training and empowerment of solid waste liter pickers in the satellite towns of the territory also observed that poor waste management has resulted to indiscriminate dumping of refuse and the littering of streets, roads and waterways with garbage.

Aliyu who was represented at the occasion by the Acting Coordinator of Satellite Towns Development Department (STDD), Engr. Felix Nwankwo, stated that as part of measures to curb some of the solid waste management issues experienced in the nation’s capital, the STDD engaged cleaning contractors who employed litter control staff to clean the streets in the satellite towns.

According to her, “It must be acknowledged that efficient solid waste management is a major challenge for developing countries including Nigeria. The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) which serves as the seat of government is also faced with the challenges of waste management.

“The frequency of household waste collections and the limited collection coverage has resulted to indiscriminate dumping of refuse and the littering of our streets, roads and waterways with garbage.

“To curb some of the solid waste management issues experienced in the nation’s capital, the Satellite Town Development Department (STDD) engaged cleaning contractors who employed litter control staff to clean the streets in our satellite towns. These workers are keeping our environments clean and protecting us from the health hazards of littering”.

She affirmed that the training and empowerment of solid waste liter pickers in the satellite towns was a bold statement that the FCT Administration is reiterating the readiness to do all that was necessary to join hands with partners to fight the challenges of waste management and to put in place the needed framework to preserve the environment.

The Minister, therefore, commended WASTE Africa and other critical stakeholders for their total commitment and dedication in ensuring that the environments are clean both in the City Centre and the Satellite Towns.

Earlier in his remarks, the Acting Coordinator of STDD, Engr. Felix Nwankwo, who was represented by the Director Environment, Mr. Olusegun Olusa, stated that Waste Pickers training intends to provide genuine social inclusion programs for 180 waste pickers in FCT Satellite Towns and other communities throughout the entire waste stream to enhance full and inclusive participation of all stakeholders and promotes economic progress.

Nwankwo used the occasion to call on all waste management stakeholders to advance in their strategy towards waste to wealth initiative campaign for better environmental friendliness and clean satellite towns which forms an integral part of Satellite Towns Development Department mandates.

Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala named first female WTO Director General

Ime Njoku
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0

Former Nigerian finance minister Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala received unanimous backing on Monday to become the first woman and first African director-general of the World Trade Organization.

As director-general, a position that wields limited formal power, Okonjo-Iweala, 66, will need to broker international trade talks in the face of persistent U.S.-China conflict; respond to pressure to reform trade rules; and counter protectionism heightened by the COVID-19 pandemic.

In her acceptance speech at the WTO, she said that getting a trade deal at the next major ministerial meeting would be a “top priority” and also urged members to reject vaccine nationalism, according to a delegate attending the closed-door meeting.

In the same speech, she described the challenges facing the body as “numerous and tricky but not insurmountable”.

A 25-year veteran of the World Bank, where she oversaw an $81 billion portfolio, Okonjo-Iweala ran against seven other candidates by espousing a belief in trade’s ability to lift people out of poverty.

She studied development economics at Harvard after experiencing civil war in Nigeria as a teenager. She returned to the country in 2003 to serve as finance minister and backers point to her hard-nose negotiating skills that helped seal a deal to cancel billions of dollars of Nigerian debt with the Paris Club of creditor nations in 2005.

“She brings stature, she brings experience, a network and a temperament of trying to get things done, which is quite a welcome lot in my view,” former WTO chief Pascal Lamy said. “I think she’s a good choice.”

Key to her success will be her ability to operate in the centre of a “U.S.-EU-China triangle”, he said.

The endorsement of the Biden administration cleared the last obstacle to her appointment.

Okonjo-Iweala becomes one of the few female heads of a major multilateral body. She is expected to join the WTO’s Geneva lakeside headquarters within weeks.

Raised by academics, the mother-of-four earned a reputation for hard work and modesty.

Okonjo-Iweala who is a special envoy for the World Health Organization on COVID-19 and, until recently chair of the board of global vaccine alliance Gavi, has said that trade’s contribution to public health would be a priority.

The WTO currently faces deadlock over an issue of waiving intellectual property rights for COVID-19 drugs, with many wealthy countries opposed.

High on the to-do list will also be fisheries subsidies, the subject of the WTO’s main multilateral talks that missed a deadline to conclude by end-2020.

Asked about the challenges ahead, she joked that a book she wrote about fixing Nigeria’s broken institutions could well apply to today’s WTO: ‘Reforming the Unreformable’.

“I feel I can solve the problems. I’m a known reformer, not someone who talks about it,” she said. “I’ve actually done it”.

Ime N

 

Court nullifies impeachment of former Imo deputy governor

Aisha John-Mark
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A State High Court sitting in Owerri the Imo capital has nullified the impeachment of former Deputy Governor of Imo State, Jude Agbaso.

Mr. Agbaso was impeached on March 28, 2013, during the Rochas Okorocha led administration.

Delivering the judgment on Monday, the presiding judge, Justice S.I Opara said the process that led to the impeachment of the former deputy governor was unconstitutional, null and void as due process was not followed.

Justice Opara added that the defendant was not giving a fair hearing on the matter before the impeachment was done.

While noting that in the eyes of the law the impeachment never occurred, the court however ordered the Imo state government to pay all entitlements and emoluments accrued to the former Deputy Governor from March 28, 2013, the date of impeachment till May 28, 2015, when his tenure as deputy governor was supposed to end.

Reacting to the judgment the counsel to Former deputy governor, Barrister Chijioke Emeka says the landmark judgement is a triumph of the rule of law and once again the development has shown that the judiciary is the last hope of the common man.

He noted that the impeachment case is the longest in the history of the country as the case which started on April 30, 2013, ended after 8 years.

The former Deputy Governor Mr. Jude Agbaso who also reacted to the judgement said he feels elated that finally justice has been served as justice delayed is never justice denied.

 

Nigeria moves to curb number of out-of-school children

Zainab Sa'id
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The Nigerian Government has commenced plans to capture out of school children and enrol them in schools across the Federation.

Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development, Sadiya Umar Farouq said this in Abuja at the inaugural meeting of the National Steering Committee of the Alternate School Programme.

She said this becomes necessary because Nigeria is the leading Nation in the World with the most out of school children.

“As a result of this embarrassing situation, My President decided to deliberately launch the ASP to ensure that every out of school child in Nigeria gain access to quality basic education, irrespective of social, cultural or economic circumstance.

“Each member of this National Steering Committee has been carefully chosen in expectation of the immense value you will bring in charting the strategic direction of this programme. It is in this regard that we all will guide its strategic implementation to ensure that the objectives as designed are achieved.”  She said.

According to her, the main objective of the programme is to take the school where the children are.

“We have tried other programmes that didn’t really work, so we thought this Alternate School Programme will help in educating these children that are not enrolled in formal education schools,” Farouq said.

Farouq further, however, noted that while the programme was in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Education, the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development will serve as the intervention ground through its Social Intervention Programmes.

On his part, the Minister of State, Education, Chukwuemeka Nwajiuba said the scheme will engage the children to become participants in the global economy.

“And to do that, we have to identify where they’re and reach out to them.” He said.

Nwajiuba said the Steering Committee will come up with different methodologies to address gaps identified in the previous programmes.

“Challenges vary and it’s not a one size fit all.” He added

The Steering Committee is expected to come up with sub-committees that will address the different challenges.

 

Zainab Sa’id

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