By Mohammed Idris Haidara
“All the world’s a stage, and all the men and women merely players…”
— William Shakespeare.
Indeed, with a heavy heart, I honour Professor (Amb.) Joy Ogwu who played her part with quiet brilliance and lasting impact. She led not with fanfare, but with purpose, guiding, inspiring, and elevating those who met her. Amb. Ogwu’s presence was steady and her values profound.
The legacy of Professor Ogwu is one of intellectual brilliance, diplomatic finesse, and a poetic soul that elevated Nigeria’s voice on the global stage. Her Shakespearean eloquence became a hallmark of her statesmanship, earning admiration even from her peers at the United Nations.
In the annals of Nigerian diplomacy, few figures shine as brightly as Ambassador Ogwu. Her tenure as Director General of the NIIA, Minister of Foreign Affairs and later as Permanent Representative of Nigeria to the United Nations in New York was marked by a rare blend of erudition, integrity, and visionary leadership. A scholar of international repute and a seasoned diplomat, she brought gravitas and grace to every forum she graced.
Madam, as we fondly called her in New York, displayed an extraordinary comfort and command in the use of the English language. She spoke with immense ease and precision, making her words resonate with clarity and impact. Her linguistic prowess set a standard for those around her, encouraging us to rise to the occasion in our work.
In our efforts to impress Professor Ogwu, as officers working with her, we carefully crafted speeches for her, intentionally incorporating some of her signature exotic words and distinctive expressions. This practice not only honoured her sophisticated style but also challenged us to refine our own use of language, ensuring that every sentence reflected the eloquence and depth for which she was renowned.
Over the years, I have come to realise that Professor Ogwu’s speeches were not mere statements, they were literary fabrics, often woven with the timeless wisdom of William Shakespeare. Her fondness for quoting celebrated writers was not a flourish of style, but a reflection of her deep belief in the power of language to inspire, persuade, and unite. Whether invoking “All the world’s a stage” or “Uneasy lies the head that wears a crown,” she used Shakespearean verse to illuminate the complexities of global governance and the moral weight of leadership.
This distinctive eloquence did not go unnoticed. At the valedictory session for non-permanent members of the UN Security Council in December 2015, Ambassador Samantha Power, then U.S. Permanent Representative to the UN, paid a heartfelt tribute to Professor Ogwu’s rhetorical brilliance. Power remarked on how Ambassador Ogwu’s Shakespearean references had become a cherished feature of Council deliberations, adding depth and humanity to the often-rigid language of diplomacy. It was a moment that underscored how Ogwu’s intellectual presence had left an indelible mark on the Council’s culture.
Beyond her renowned oratory, Professor Ogwu was recognised for her unwavering commitment to the causes she held dear. Always adorned in her signature well-tailored ankara/batik suits, a reflection of her deep connection to her roots, she stood as an elegant and tireless champion for peace, the principles of multilateralism, and the promotion of African agency on the world stage. Her advocacy extended beyond words; it was evident in her actions and steadfast dedication to ensuring that Africa’s perspective was not only heard but respected in international fora. Through her dignified presence and purposeful engagement, she became a beacon of hope and progress, embodying the ideals she so passionately advanced.
As an African Amazon, she navigated complex negotiations with calm authority, always anchoring Nigeria’s positions in principle and pragmatism. Her leadership during Nigeria’s two terms (2010-2011 and 2014 -2015) on the UN Security Council was instrumental in shaping debates on peacekeeping, counterterrorism, and sustainable development
During the critical period preceding the appointment of a new Secretary-General of the UN after Ban Ki-moon’s tenure, Professor Joy Ogwu demonstrated her commitment to gender equality on the global stage. She took proactive steps to mobilize her fellow female permanent representatives in New York, rallying them to canvass for and advocate for the appointment of a woman as Secretary-General. Although the initiative ultimately did not result in the selection of a female candidate, her efforts were a testament to her remarkable ability to shape opinion and drive collective action among her peers. This episode in Ambassador Ogwu’s diplomatic career underscored her unwavering dedication to advancing women’s empowerment.
Her legacy is not only in the policies she shaped but in the dignity she brought to the role. She reminded the world that diplomacy is not just about power, it is about wisdom, empathy, and the courage to speak truth with grace. In remembering Ambassador Ogwu, we honour a woman who showed that intellect and integrity are the true instruments of influence.
Her voice may no longer echo in the conference rooms of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs or the chambers of the UN, but her words, like those of Shakespeare, remain timeless.
May her gentle soul rest in perfect peace.
N.B: Ambassador Mohammed Idris Haidara is the Director (Asia and Pacific), Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Abuja.
