The Governor of Delta State, Ifeanyi Okowa has congratulated Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala for her appointment as the Director General (DG) of the World Trade Organization (WTO).
TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports Dr Okonjo-Iweala made history on Monday when she was confirmed WTO DG at a special meeting of the General Council.
“I want you to know that you have the unwavering support of both your home state and your country,” Governor Okowa to Okonjo-Iweala.
“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,” Governor Okowa said.
Okonjo-Iweala, an illustrious Deltan from Ogwashi-Uku, was a two-time Minister of Finance, who led Nigeria’s economy to exit foreign debt obligations during her first term under former President Olusegun Obasanjo.
In a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr Olisa Ifeajika, in Asaba, on Monday, Okowa said that he was elated to hear of the successful emergence of Okonjo-Iweala as WTO boss after a very highly competitive and protracted process.
He described Okonjo-Iweala as a brilliant, competent, world-class economist and international development expert whose works over the years had distinguished her globally.
The governor stated that the appointment of Okonjo-Iweala had broken the 24-year-old jinx of a female becoming head of the WTO, adding that she was the first African to lead the global trade body in its 25-year history.
“I am excited to hear of the emergence of our illustrious daughter, Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, as the Director-General of the World Trade Organisation.
“Your appointment is indeed, a testament to your competence and experience as a renowned economist and international development expert.
“You went through a very rigorous and competitive process to emerge as the new head at the WTO.
“On behalf of my family, the Government and people of Delta, I congratulate a worthy ambassador of Delta and Nigeria, Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, on the recognition and appointment.
“As you take on this distinguishing assignment at the big global stage again, I pray and urge you to re-enact that which you have always done – bringing pride and honour to Delta and Nigeria.
“It is without doubt that your pedigree and impeccable footprints in monetary and economic administration in Nigeria and at the World Bank stood you out for this global assignment.
“As you continue in this remarkable trajectory, we wish you success as you mount this new saddle,” he stated.
TNG reports the General Council agreed by consensus to select Okonjo-Iweala as the organization’s 7th DG.
When she takes office on 1 March, Dr Okonjo-Iweala will become the first woman and the first African to be chosen as Director-General. Her term, renewable, will expire on 31 August 2025.
Meanwhile, Dr Okonjo-Iweala has reacted
following confirmation of her appointment as DG WTO.