The Vice-Presidential Candidate of the People’s Democratic Party, (PDP), in the 2019 elections, Mr. Peter Obi, has lauded the newly-selected Director-General of the World Trade Organisation (WTO), Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala,
Obi described her emergence as historic, by her selection, Okonjo-Iweala becomes the First Female and First African WTO Director-General.
He said in a Congratulatory Message made available to the journalists in Awka on Tuesday.
Obi, who had earlier drummed up support for Okonjo-Iweala’s candidacy, expressed delight at her emergence, saying she had always been known to shine brilliantly wherever she found herself.
Obi said he had high confidence that Okonjo-Iweala has the ability to draw from her knowledge, skills and wide experience from the economic and financial sectors, to lead the WTO to greater heights.
He equally appreciated Nigeria's President, Muhammadu Buhari for recognising the great potentials in Okonjo-Iweala and nominating her for the job, noting that her emergence in the position was a huge blessing to the country
Mr Godwin Ezeemo an industrialist and PDP governorship aspirant in Nov. 6 election in Anambra collaborated Obi’s claims and said that Okonjo-Iweala's track record of success speaks volumes.
Ezeemo said that she did well in Nigeria as Finance Minister and across the world where she had successfully served in various high profile positions in many global organisations.
He said that other agencies, including the World Bank, stood her out as the right candidate for the job, “It was really a testament of her worth and capabilities, a proof that hard work pays,” he said.
Chief Damian Okeke- Ogene , National Vice President of Ohaneze Ndi Igbo, said that she has made the black race proud and earned the respect of the world and placed Nigeria in a world map.
Okeke-Ogene described her as a woman who is professional balanced and focused in whatever she ventured into doing, she turned the economy of Nigeria round for good when she manned the Ministry of fiancé.
“ She is a disciplined woman who handles every responsibility before her with sense of integrity and transparency, she is the jewel of Africa, and role model to women all over the world,” he said
Chief Chris Elumunoh, a stakeholder in Anambra commended the member-nations of WTO which, he said, put merit above sentiments in electing a very capable person for the job.
Elumunoh said that Okonjo-Iweala was well qualified for the position and prayed for her to prove her mantle at a time like this and urged all Nigerians to put her in their personal prayers.
Mrs Ngozi Agu, a community leader said that Okonjo-Iweala has proved that women are not dull people, congratulated her and urged mothers to train the girl child well.
Agu said that Okonjo-Iweala has left a huge mark for women to emulate and aspire to be in any top office in the world as long as they merit it.
“Please parents give your child quality education because education remain the best gift to give a child, boy or girl and advised women to work harder to ensure their children are schooled,” she said.
She asked God to grant her the wisdom to deliver on her new mandate, "May God Almighty grant you the wisdom and strength to succeed in this globally powerful organization,." She prayed.
reports that WTO had on Monday Feb. 15 had announced in a tweet that Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala from Nigeria has been appointed as the next WTO Director –General .
reports that Okonjo-Iweala makes history as the first woman and first African to lead the WTO, her term starts from March 1, while her tenure would expire on Aug.31, 2025, it could be renewed, the organisation said.
reports that WTO needed to have next direct-general since former chief Roberto Azevedo stepped down in August 2020 a year earlier than his second four year term was set to end.
She was challenged by South Korean Teade Minster Yoo Myung-hee who later withdrew from the race.
Also reports that WTO members took