Humanity lost a treasure. She was a distinguished diplomat, a prima inter pares, and an international intellectual. From being the first female DG of Nigerian Institute of International Affairs (NIIA), the first female minister of external affairs, and the first female Nigerian permanent representative to the UN, she rose to preside over the UN Security Council—another first for a classy lady. She capped it with the presidency of the UN Women.
Professor Joy Ogwu was the pride of Nigeria at the UN. A beauty-full and brilliant dame, she rose to incomparable heights in international relations. It will take generations to see her kind again.
Our paths crossed in Abuja. We attended the 2005 Commonwealth conference on women participation in politics. Organized by Elsie Onubogu of the Commonwealth Office in London, UK, it featured prominent politicians, government officials—home and abroad, academicians, and NGO executives.
I recall her smiling through my post-presentation sidebar with Sarah Jibrin, first female presidential primary candidate. Her presence was moderating and motivating without her saying much to counter my criticisms of women politicians blaming their male counterparts more than mobilizing and sensitizing voters—mostly women.
When she came over to the USA, our paths crossed again. She lived in Purchase, NY. We once visited the official residence in Tarrytown. With an amazing view of now Mario Cuomo Bridge (then Tappan Zee) over River Hudson, the property was in a bad state. I had been there a couple of times for official receptions when Professor Ibrahim Gambari lived there. We talked about turning the multimillion-dollar estate into a profitable Nigerian cultural center.
She also visited me at the campus in New Jersey. She was no stranger: She attended Rutgers, the state university. She had lived down the road in The Oranges. We met at other special events in the UN and the Nigerian House, or at events of such mutual friends as Oseloka Obaze, a UN diplomat. She always exuded the elegance of an eminent envoy. When my wife and I had twins, Joy shared in our joy and surprised us with a visit from across the miles.
A devout Catholic, she will be missed not only by her family and friends but also in the world of international relations, where her graceful presence, experience, and expertise brought new vistas to global diplomacy.
Life is an accumulation of momentary memories. How long they last depends on how merry—or monstrous—the memories are and on how they impacted those with whom we interacted. Joy Ogwu left many merry memories.
I don’t know how the federal government will honor her—an Abuja street, NIIA building, etc. Delta State government should consider naming, minimally, a school of diplomacy in an Anịọma-Delta university after this wonderful woman of style and substance. Future generations should know about the uncommon life of Her Excellency, Professor Uche Joy Angela Ogwu, PhD.
May her spirit come our way again.
M.O. Ene, PhD
New Jersey, USA
Friday, October 17, 2025