By Abiola Olawale
The Pan-Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF) has extended its heartfelt congratulations to Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala on her well-deserved reappointment as the Director-General of the World Trade Organization.
This organisation said the significant achievement highlights Okonjo-Iweala’a exceptional leadership and dedication on the global stage.
In a statement, PANDEF, which serves as the foremost sociopolitical organization and collective voice for the communities of the Niger Delta region, referred to Okonjo-Iweala as the “Best Jewel of the Niger Delta.”
In a heartfelt statement, Dr Godknows Igali, the National Chairman of PANDEF, praised Okonjo-Iweala, referring to her as a brilliant beacon of hope and an exceptional representative of both Nigeria and the Niger Delta.
Igali emphasized that the WTO director-general embodies the unwavering spirit, remarkable resilience, and exceptional brilliance that are hallmarks of the Niger Delta people, celebrating her achievements as a testament to the strength and potential of her community.
The statement reads in part: “Without reservations, the entire Niger Delta is immensely proud of her as she continues to blaze the trail as the first woman and first African to lead the WTO.
“We note that throughout her illustrious career, Okonjo-Iweala has demonstrated unparalleled excellence, whether as Nigeria’s Finance Minister, Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Managing Director of the World Bank or in her many other global roles.
“Her first term as WTO Director-General, which coincided with COVID-19 Pandemic was, nonetheless, marked by transformational leadership.
“She skillfully navigated the complexities of global trade, championing equitable trade policies, and advocated, especially for the interests of developing countries.
“These personal attributes redefine the narrative about Africa’s capacity to lead on the global stage and her work will continue to open doors for others to follow.
“Her success is a reminder of the potential that lies within the Niger- Delta and her story continues to encourage young people to pursue excellence with courage and determination.
“We are confident that her second term will be even more impactful as she leads with characteristic wisdom, determination and visionary outlook.
“We assure her of unwavering support and prayers and look forward to witnessing more groundbreaking achievements, which will undoubtedly benefit the world at large, particularly the developing economies and we, of her home base, inclusive.”
This comes after the WTO officially reappointed Okonjo-Iweala as the Director General of the WTO for the second term on November 29, 2024.
It would be recalled that the former Nigerian minister made history by becoming the first woman and, indeed, the first African to head the WTO in 2021.
She was first elected as the WTO DG on February 15, 2021. Her present stint will end on 31 August 2025.
The New Diplomat reports that Okonjo-Iweala twice served as Nigeria’s finance minister (2003-2006 and 2011-2015) and its first female foreign minister in a two-month stint in 2006.
