By Obinna Uballa
President Bola Tinubu has expressed deep sorrow over the death of Nigeria’s former Minister of Foreign Affairs and one time Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Ambassador Joy Uche Angela Ogwu, who passed away at the age of 79.
The New Diplomat broke the news of Ogwu’s passing on Monday. She died in New York, United States, with her daughter by her side. She hailed from Delta State.
In a statement issued on Tuesday by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, Tinubu described the late Ogwu as a trailblazer who rose to the pinnacle of her career through excellence, hard work, and dedication to national service.
Ambassador Ogwu, who served as Nigeria’s envoy to the United Nations from May 2008 to May 2017, was also a respected scholar and former Director-General of the Nigerian Institute of International Affairs (NIIA).
According to the statement, the late diplomat made invaluable contributions to Nigeria’s foreign policy and global engagement, and notably presided twice over the UN Security Council, first in July 2010 and again in October 2011.
Tinubu commended Ogwu for her efforts in promoting global peace, disarmament, international security, and the advancement of women’s rights, noting that she projected Nigeria’s voice “with clarity and purpose” on the world stage.
He extended condolences to her children, grandchildren, siblings, the Ogwu family, as well as members of Nigeria’s diplomatic and academic communities.
“Nigeria has lost a trailblazer who rose to the highest level of her vocation through excellence and hard work,” the President said, while praying for the repose of her soul and comfort for her loved ones.
