PRESS STATEMENTÂ
The Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide joins numerous admirers across the globe to felicitate a renowned erudite scholar, development economist, astute administrator, moral edifice, author, two-time Nigerian minister for Finance, trail blazer, and an exemplary Igbo daughter, Dr. Mrs Ngozi Okonjo-Iwuala on her re-election as the Director General of the World Trade Organization (WTO).
We are not surprised that Okonjo Iwuala has maintained a steady upward trajectory in public life. She is one of the few Nigerians who are committed to a decent life. She not only abhorred corruption and the characteristic mundane hubris in power, she initiated institutional reforms to reduce corruption in Nigeria. She introduced bureaucratic mechanisms to increase transparency in public offices. It was the suave Okonjo- Iwuala that spearheaded negotiations with the Paris Club for a debt relief for Nigeria, including an outright cancellation of US $ 18 Dollars in debt, under President Olusegun Obasanjo. She is one of the few women who have made the Forbes list of 100 Most Powerful Women in the world for seven years; and many more.
There is no gainsaying her victory for a second term as the Director-General of the WTO derives from her untainted pedigree and stellar performance in the first tenure.
The Secretary General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, Ambassador Okey Emuchay, MFR qualified Dr. Mrs. Ngozi Okonjo Iweala as the summary of virtues; a quintessential Igbo in character, ingenuity, elegance and integrity.
We are very confident that you will continue to discharge your duties with requisite prudence and diligence. We are very proud of you.
On behalf of all the structures of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, please accept our felicitations and goodwill as always
Dr. Chiedozie Alex Ogbonnia,
National Publicity Secretary, Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide.