Obaseki Congratulates Okonjo-iweala On Emergence As First Female, African DG Of WTO

Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, has congratulated former Finance Minister, Dr. Ngozi Okonji-Iweala on her emergence as the first African and first female Director-General of the World Trade Organisation (WTO).

The WTO confirmed her emergence on Monday after the last contender and South Korean Trade Minister, Yoo Myung-hee, announced her withdrawal from the race on February 5, 2021.

Obaseki noted, “I felicitate with Dr. Ngozi Okonji-Iweala, former Minister of Finance, on her emergence as the first African and first female Director-General of the World Trade Organisation (WTO) in its 25-year history.

“Dr. Okonjo-Iweala, a fine economist and international development expert has in time past spearheaded several World Bank initiatives as a former Managing Director (Operations) and possesses a bundle of skills and experience required for this elevated role.

“As a two-time finance minister in Nigeria, Okonjo-Iweala left indelible marks as an astute manager of the nation’s economy and resources.”

He added that Dr. Okonjo-Iweala will bring her wealth of experience in building stronger alliances to promote multilateral trade, instill the needed discipline to advance the development of world economies and bridge trade gaps between developed and developing economies across the globe.

“I am confident that she will exceed expectations in this new assignment,” Obaseki added.