Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, the Director-General of the World Trade Organization (WTO)
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu recently attended the Global Financing Pact Summit in Paris, organized by French President Emmanuel Macron. This marked his first official foreign trip as the newly elected president, aimed at fostering diplomatic relationships, attracting investments, and improving Nigeria’s image. The president and his team received praise, even from their harshest critics, for their commendable presence at the forum, rating the outing at a 7 out of 10.
However, there have been baseless accusations circulating about Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, alleging that she intentionally edited President Tinubu out of a photograph taken at the event and purposely avoided him due to her support for Peter Obi or an Igbo presidency. These claims are unfounded and are an attempt to tarnish the reputation of this esteemed financial expert, especially at a time when Nigeria is grappling with tribal, religious, and political divisions.
Apart from President Tinubu, Okonjo-Iweala herself is highly sought after and influential. Her position as the Director-General of the World Trade Organization (WTO) makes her a key figure in global trade and a dedicated servant to all countries. She has engaged in photo opportunities with numerous heads of state and government who attended the meetings, reflecting her stature and influence on the world stage.
Okonjo-Iweala is renowned for her outstanding character, achievements, and leadership. She is widely regarded as Nigeria’s anointed daughter and a source of pride for the nation. As a role model for women worldwide, she embodies the best qualities of her constituency, representing womanhood with dignity and excellence.
Her personal qualities transcend biases and impurities prevalent in society. Those who seek political gain through diabolical means cannot diminish the radiant light she carries. Okonjo-Iweala, a Nigerian of Igbo descent, is a true epitome of a detribalized leader. With a PhD in regional economics and development from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, she is a highly accomplished economist and financial expert. As Nigeria’s Minister of Finance under Presidents Olusegun Obasanjo and Goodluck Jonathan, she played a pivotal role in stabilizing the economy and implementing well-thought-out policies.
Okonjo-Iweala’s reputation extends far beyond Nigeria’s borders. She is a unifying leader with exceptional charisma, energy, and an impressive biography that surpasses most of her peers. She has served on numerous boards, including Danone, Standard Chartered Bank, and the Rockefeller Foundation. Her contributions to global institutions and causes, such as the Twitter Board of Directors and the Global Commission on the Economy and Climate, exemplify her dedication to international development and progress.
When President Joe Biden assumed office, a group of American academic elites advocated for Okonjo Iweala’s nomination as the Director-General of the WTO. Despite initial delays caused by former President Donald Trump’s refusal to accept her victory over the US-backed candidate, her appointment eventually went through.
In light of the toxic political climate in Nigeria, it is crucial to approach this exceptional woman with respect and without tribal or ethnic biases. Okonjo-Iweala’s remarkable accomplishments and commitment to serving humanity make her a true global citizen and an inspiration to us all.
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