The apex Igbo socio-cultural organisation, Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide joined numerous admirers across the globe to felicitate a renowned development economist and two-time Nigerian minister for Finance, Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, on her reappointment as the Director General of the World Trade Organization.
Describing her as a trail blazer, astute administrator, moral edifice and an exemplary Igbo daughter, Ohanaeze said they aren’t surprised that she has maintained a steady upward trajectory in public life.
In a statement on Tuesday by Ohanaeze’s National Publicity Secretary Dr. Alex Ogbonnia, the apex Igbo body eulogised her adding she is one of the few Nigerians who are committed to a decent life. “She not only abhorred corruption and the characteristic mundane hubris in power, she initiated institutional reforms to reduce corruption in Nigeria.
“She introduced bureaucratic mechanisms to increase transparency in public offices. It was the suave Okonjo-Iweala that spearheaded negotiations with the Paris Club for a debt relief for Nigeria, including an outright cancellation of US $ 18 Dollars in debt, under President Olusegun Obasanjo. She is one of the few women who have made the Forbes list of 100 Most Powerful Women in the world for seven years; and many more.
“There is no gainsaying her victory for a second term as the Director-General of the WTO derives from her untainted pedigree and stellar performance in the first tenure.”
According to the statement, the Secretary General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, Ambassador Okey Emuchay, qualified Dr. Okonjo-Iweala as the summary of virtues; “a quintessential Igbo in character, ingenuity, elegance and integrity”.
Ohanaeze expressed optimism and very confident that she will continue to discharge her duties with requisite prudence and diligence. “We are very proud of you.
“On behalf of all the structures of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, please accept our felicitations and goodwill as always,” the statement noted.
