Atiku, Iheadioha, GEJ, others hail Okonjo-Iweala’s appointment

As she makes history as the first African and first woman to head the World Trade Organization, WTO, Nigerian leaders have congratulated Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala for clinching the international position.

According to former Imo State Governor, Emeka Ihedioha, Okonjo-Iweala’s emergence is no doubt a credit to womenfolk.

He said: “I join the rest of the world to congratulate our dear sister and amazon, Dr. @Ngozi Okonji-Iweala, on her emergence as the Director-General of World Trade Organization, after a rigorous but commendable process.

Her emergence is no doubt a credit to womenfolk, and also a plus not just to Nigeria, but Africa at large.
It is my belief that NOI will bring to bear her wealth of experience and managerial skills in navigating the affairs of the WTO, for the overall benefit of the comity of nations”.

Former Vice-President, Atiku Abubakar described her as an apostle of free trade.

“Dr (Mrs) Ngozi Okonjo Iweala is a woman I know very well because we worked at close quarters between 2003 and 2007 when she served in our administration in various capacities, most notably as Finance Minister.

“It is not hyperbole when I say that no one could be more qualified for the job of Director-General of the World Trade Organisation than her, and I congratulate her for her success at being the first female and African DG of the WTO.

“She is an apostle of free trade and an astute manager of people and resources, and the world will be a much more prosperous place by her elevation to this enviable height.

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“As the world prepares to emerge from the global pandemic of COVID19, the planet needs a steady hand at the wheel, to drive global trade, and rebuild from the devastation wrought by the virus. We would not need someone who thinks they can pull this off. We would need someone who has actually and serially pulled it off before. And that person has emerged.

“Ngozi, Africa and Nigeria are proud of you and my family and I are full of joy at your victory. Go to Geneva and make us proud, as we know you will”.

Hope Uzodimma

On behalf of the Government and the good people of Imo State, I join Nigerians all over the world to congratulate a distinguished Nigerian, Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala on her appointment as the next World Trade Organization – WTO Director-General.

Today, Dr Okonjo-Iweala has made global history as the first woman and the first African to lead the international trade body – the WTO. This is indeed a feat we are very proud of.

Winning this keenly contested position is a testament of the doggedness, resilience and tenacity of the Nigerian spirit.
It is my firm belief that she’s equal to the huge tasks ahead, which are to reform the WTO, create a fair trade, equal opportunities and prosperity for everyone.

I congratulate her once again and cheers to greater heights.

Former President Goodluck Jonathan described her as an apostle of free trade.

According to him: “I congratulate Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, who served as the Coordinating Minister for the Economy/Minister of Finance in my cabinet, on her emergence as the new Director-General of World Trade Organisation (WTO), after a long-drawn-out selection process.

You have excelled in all the responsibilities you have handled both for your country and for the global community.

I am convinced that your leadership of the WTO will bring about improved trade relations and progress across the world’s different economic spectrum.

Nyesom Wike

Governor of Rivers State, Nyesom Ezenwo Wike, says the world has entered in a new epoch with the appointment of Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala as the Director-General of the World Trade Organisation (WTO).

Governor Wike, in a statement signed by his Special Assistant on Media, Kelvin Ebiri, said the appointment of Dr Okonjo-Iweala, a one time Minister of Finance and Chairman of President Goodluck Jonathan Economic Team to lead the WTO, is a beacon of hope for Nigeria.

The Rivers State governor said he is confident that Dr Okonjo-Iweala, who has distinguished herself as a renowned economist and contributed to the economic successes of many nations, will usher in a new era in the WTO.

He stated the new Director-General of the WTO throughout her career both at the World Bank and as Nigeria’s Minister of Finance, had consistently demonstrated an exceptional taste for transparency, and passion for equity.

“Having served in the Federal Executive Council with Dr Okonjo-Iweala, I am confident that she will remain committed to her principles of transparency, accountability and equity, which the world is yearning for.

“On behalf of the Government and people of Rivers State, I also take this opportunity to extend our heartfelt congratulations to you as a beacon of hope for our dear nation.