The Vice-Presidential Candidate of the People’s Democratic Party, PDP, in the 2019 elections, Mr. Peter Obi, has eulogized the newly elected Director-General of the World Trade Organization (WTO), Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, describing her emergence as historic. By her selection, Okonjo-Iweala becomes the First Female and First African WTO Director-General.
In a Congratulatory Message made available to the Press, 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 has high confidence that Okonjo-Iweala has the ability to draw from her skills and wide experience from the economic and financial sectors to lead the WTO to greater heights.
Obi stated that Okonjo-Iweala’s track record of success, both in Nigeria as Finance Minister and across the world, where she successfully served in many global organizations and agencies, including the World Bank, stood her out as the right candidate for the job.
“The historic emergence of Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala as the first African and first female DG of the WTO has brought immense joy to me personally and to all well-meaning people in Nigeria and far beyond. Her appointment is eloquent testimony that Nigeria has all it takes in terms of human resources to be a great nation.
“Dr. Okonjo-Iweala has always been a shinning star, not just in our country Nigeria, but across the world where her leadership impact has been felt, and her selection for this lofty position has not come as a surprise to those of us who know her well. Understandably, therefore, there are high hopes that she will perform creditably in her new assignment”, Obi enthused.
Obi further commended the member nations of WTO who he said, put merit above sentiments in selecting a very capable person for the job. He equally appreciated Nigeria’s President, Muhammadu Buhari, for recognizing the great potentials in Okonjo-Iweala and nominating her for the job, noting that her emergence in the position is a huge blessing to the country.
Obi prayed God to give Okonjo-Iweala the wisdom to deliver on her new mandate: “May God Almighty grant you the wisdom and strength to succeed in this globally powerful organisation.”