Okonjo-Iweala Makes History, Emerges WTO Director-General

Ex-Nigerian Finance Minister, Ngozi Okonjo Iweala has been appointed as the Director-General of the World Trade Organization (WTO).

A statement released by the WTO on Monday, February 15th confirmed the appointment of the 66 year old as the first female and African to ever lead the Switzerland-based institution.

Recent withdrawal of the South Korean Trade Minister and candidate, Yoo Myung-hee and endorsement by the United States of America has cleared the path for Okonjo-Iweala.

READ: Okonjo Iweala receives US government support for WTO director general

The official announcement was made by the global trade body via social media, as it tweeted, “BREAKING: Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala from Nigeria is appointed as the next WTO Director-General. Dr. Okonjo-Iweala makes history as the first woman and the first African to lead the WTO. Her term starts on the 1st of March 2021.”

BREAKING: Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala from Nigeria is appointed as the next WTO Director-General.

Dr. Okonjo-Iweala makes history as the first woman and the first African to lead the WTO.

Her term starts on the 1st of March 2021.

More details soon. #WTODG@NOIweala pic.twitter.com/2RJkkfK2Id

— WTO (@wto) February 15, 2021

President Muhammadu Buhari who has always shown his support for Iweala getting the role has taken to social media to felicitate with her.

In a statement released by the President’s media aide, Garba Shehu, the President said;

“On behalf of the Federal Government and all Nigerians, President @MBuhari warmly felicitates with former Minister of Finance and Economy, Dr @NOIweala on her election as Director General of the World Trade Organisation @wto, bringing joy and more honour to the country.”