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Tag: Okonjo-Iweala

  • Adesina’s leadership historic, say UN Secretary-General, Okonjo-Iweala

    Adesina’s leadership historic, say UN Secretary-General, Okonjo-Iweala

    World Trade Organisation (WTO) Director-General Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala and United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres have praised  Dr. Akinwumi Adesina’s 10 year tenure as President of the African Development Bank (AfDB).

    Both leaders lauded Adesina’s leadership as historic and transformational, significantly advancing Africa’s development agenda.

    In a video message delivered at the close of the Bank’s 2025 Annual Meetings in Abidjan, Dr. Okonjo-Iweala paid glowing tribute to Adesina, describing his leadership as steering the AfDB through “a period of unprecedented growth and relevance on the global development stage.” She highlighted the remarkable expansion of the Bank’s capital under his leadership, from $93 billion to $318 billion, as a clear indicator of the confidence he inspired and the strength of his development vision.

    Okonjo-Iweala particularly praised Adesina’s signature “High 5s” development agenda – Light up and Power Africa, Feed Africa, Industrialize Africa, Integrate Africa, and Improve the Quality of Life for the People of Africa. She noted that these priorities provided a crucial roadmap for African nations working towards the goals of the African Union’s Agenda 2063, delivering measurable impact across critical sectors.

    Reflecting on their shared past, Okonjo-Iweala recalled her joint service with Adesina in former President Goodluck Jonathan’s cabinet. She recounted a personal anecdote from his time as  Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development , where he successfully expanded digital wallet access to two million more women farmers, demonstrating his “uncommon passion” and reform-driven approach to agricultural development. Okonjo-Iweala, who as Finance Minister and AfDB Governor played a pivotal role in Adesina’s 2015 campaign for the presidency, emphasised his lasting change for Nigerian farmers through innovative, technology-driven interventions.

    Read Also: Africa’s opportunity not aid, says Okonjo-Iweala

    UN Secretary-General António Guterres echoed these sentiments in his own message, commending Adesina for his “extraordinary vision and dedication to the economic transformation of Africa.”

    Guterres underscored Adesina’s strategic leadership in implementing the High 5s agenda and the Bank’s remarkable institutional expansion, which enabled it to effectively respond to urgent crises like the COVID-19 pandemic while driving long-term sustainable solutions.

    The UN chief  recognised the AfDB’s progress in clean energy development and climate-resilient agriculture under Adesina, sectors vital for Africa’s sustainable future. He also lauded Adesina’s pioneering work on the IMF’s Special Drawing Rights (SDRs), which “opened new avenues in financing for development” by re-channeling global resources to where they are most needed, thereby enhancing the global development finance architecture.

    Both  leaders highlighted Adesina’s commitment to African ownership of the continent’s development. Okonjo-Iweala cited the African Investment Forum (AIF), an initiative spearheaded by Adesina to connect projects to funding, as a powerful complement to the WTO’s efforts to bolster Africa’s trade capacity.

    The Bank Group’s 2025 Annual Meetings, held under the theme “Making Africa’s Capital Work Better for Africa’s Development,” saw the attendance of several heads of state and government, including host President Alassane Ouattara, Ghana’s President John Mahama, and Azali Assoumani of the Union of the Comoros, alongside over 6,000 delegates.

    As Adesina concludes his tenure at the end of August, he leaves behind a robust legacy of a revitalised and influential AfDB, poised to continue its critical role in shaping Africa’s development trajectory.

  • Okonjo-Iweala salutes Adesina’s legacy at AfDB

    Okonjo-Iweala salutes Adesina’s legacy at AfDB

    World Trade Organization (WTO) Director-General, Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, has paid a heartfelt tribute to Dr. Akinwumi Adesina as he concludes his ten-year tenure as president of the African Development Bank (AfDB), describing his leadership as historic and transformational for Africa’s development.

    In a video message delivered to shareholders and delegates at the conclusion of the Bank’s 2025 Annual Meetings in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire, Okonjo-Iweala commended Adesina for steering the Bank through a period of unprecedented growth and relevance on the global development stage.

    Reflecting on his accomplishments, the WTO Director-General pointed to the Bank’s capital expansion under Adesina’s leadership—from $93 billion to $318 billion—as a testament to the confidence he inspired among stakeholders and the strength of his development vision.

    “He’s leaving a strong legacy behind of which he, Nigerians and all Africans, should be proud,” Okonjo-Iweala said, noting that Adesina’s signature “High 5s” development agenda had provided a clear roadmap for African countries seeking to achieve the goals of the African Union’s Agenda 2063.

    The “High 5s”—Light up and Power Africa, Feed Africa, Industrialize Africa, Integrate Africa, and Improve the Quality of Life for the People of Africa—have shaped the Bank’s operational focus over the past decade, delivering measurable impact in critical sectors across the continent.

    Okonjo-Iweala praised the enduring influence of Adesina’s leadership both within the institution and across Africa, stating that his work had helped reposition the Bank as a respected and effective development partner. She encouraged the Bank and African governments to build on these gains, expressing optimism that with strategic focus and dedication, the continent could meet its most ambitious development targets.

    She also acknowledged the importance of African ownership of the continent’s development, stressing the need for African nations to move beyond rhetoric and harness international interest to drive tangible investments.

    Citing the African Investment Forum (AIF)—an initiative spearheaded by Adesina and eight partner institutions to connect projects to funding—Okonjo-Iweala lauded its contribution to advancing economic integration and mobilizing private capital for African infrastructure and development needs. She described the AIF as a powerful complement to the WTO’s own efforts to bolster Africa’s trade capacity and economic growth.

    The WTO chief also extended her gratitude to African leaders, AfDB governors, executive directors, senior management, and staff who supported Adesina throughout his presidency. In a personal touch, she saluted his wife, Grace Adesina, for her steadfast support over the years, recognizing the often-unseen role played by spouses in demanding public service roles.

    Recalling their joint service in the cabinet of former President Goodluck Jonathan, Okonjo-Iweala shared a personal story about Adesina’s reform-driven approach to agricultural development during his tenure as Nigeria’s Minister of Agriculture.

    Read Also: Africa’s opportunity not aid, says Okonjo-Iweala

    She recalled a challenge she gave Adesina to expand digital wallet access to one to two million more women farmers, with the promise of performance-based budget support. “He delivered—reaching two million more. That’s the kind of leader Akin is,” she said.

    Okonjo-Iweala credited him with bringing “uncommon passion” to his work and creating lasting change for Nigerian farmers through innovative, technology-driven interventions. According to her, his efforts not only transformed agricultural financing in Nigeria but also laid the groundwork for broader systemic reforms in rural economies.

    As Nigeria’s Finance Minister and the country’s AfDB Governor in 2015, Okonjo-Iweala played a pivotal role in Adesina’s campaign to lead the Bank, a position he assumed in September of that year. Since then, Adesina has overseen a period of significant evolution for the institution, championing reforms that elevated the Bank’s global standing.

  • Africa’s opportunity not aid, says Okonjo-Iweala

    Africa’s opportunity not aid, says Okonjo-Iweala

    Director-General, World Trade Organisation (WTO) Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala has said Africa’s opportunity does not lie in aid but in adding value, building trust and using her enormous resources judiciously.

    She spoke at the African Business Stories (ABS) third edition of its Roundtable Series during the 2025 World Bank Spring Meetings, that hosted a high-level dialogue titled: “Leveraging Diaspora Investment for Africa’s Economic Growth.”

    “Africa’s opportunity lies not in aid — but in adding value, building trust, and using our resources wisely,” Dr. Okonjo-Iweala said.

    She stressed that Africa’s critical minerals must be leveraged strategically to drive industrialization rather than perpetuate dependence on raw exports.

    “Our critical minerals are in demand — but instead of giving them away raw, we must negotiate smartly, add value locally, create jobs, and become a true hub of global manufacturing and innovation,” she argued.

    Dr. Okonjo-Iweala also addressed the impacts of global economic shifts — from trade disruptions to shrinking aid budgets — and stressed the urgency of regional collaboration, transparent governance, and strategic investment facilitation to attract both diaspora and global capital.

    Read Also: PDP: From bloom to gloom

    Closing the session, Dr. Okonjo-Iweala encouraged African entrepreneurs, leaders, and the diaspora to recognize their individual agency.

    “Even solving one problem or building one enterprise can have ripple effects across the continent. Everyone has a role to play in building Africa’s future,” she said.

     “Events like this roundtable are vital platforms to foster collaboration, deepen trust, and unlock the entrepreneurial potential that exists both within Africa and among its global diaspora. It was an honor to join this important dialogue and help shape conversations that will drive long-term impact,” Managing Director and Head of Sub-Saharan Africa (ex-RSA) at Bank of America, Yvonne Ike said.

    Launched in September 2024 on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York, the ABS Roundtable Series convenes influential stakeholders to address critical barriers to scaling African businesses — with a focus on closing Africa’s $42 billion financing gap for women-owned enterprises and fostering sustainable growth.

    Held at the Washington, D.C. offices of Akin Gump Strauss Hauer & Feld LLP, the ABS Roundtable was made possible through the generous support of Akin LLP, Bank of America, and Moneda Invest Africa. Their partnership underscores a shared commitment to advancing Africa’s economic growth through innovative investment, strategic collaboration, and inclusive development. Bank of America’s partnership in this event reflects its ongoing commitment to sustainable growth and inclusive finance across Africa. The firm continues to support initiatives that unlock capital, scale entrepreneurship, and build resilient financial ecosystems.

    Opening keynote speakers President Admassu Tadesse, Group President and Managing Director of Trade & Development Bank, and Mrs. Zainab Ahmed, Executive Director at the World Bank and former Nigerian Minister of Finance, set a powerful tone — challenging participants to move beyond traditional aid models and strengthen Africa’s investment readiness.

    A dynamic panel discussion followed, featuring Joan Manda (UNDP Timbuktoo Initiative), Barbara Iyayi (Unicorn Growth Capital), and Chidi Blyden (Culturally Bound), moderated by Kenechi Eze (Moneda Invest). The conversation centered on building trust, creating credible financial vehicles, and transforming Africa’s 44 million SMEs into engines of scalable investment.

    The event culminated in an inspiring fireside chat with Dr. Okonjo-Iweala, moderated by Ms. Yvonne Ike, Managing Director at Bank of America and Head of Sub-Saharan Africa (ex-RSA). Addressing a room of investors, policymakers, and entrepreneurs, Dr. Okonjo-Iweala called for a decisive shift away from reliance on foreign aid, urging African countries to mobilize domestic resources, attract private sector investment, and build institutional trust. She emphasized the pivotal moment Africa faces in the global economy.

    Participants committed to deepening collaboration with the African diaspora, creating credible financial structures, and expanding access to capital for the continent’s 44 million SMEs—key pillars for long-term growth.

    Akaego Okoye, Founder of African Business Stories and Convener of the ABS Roundtable Series, added:

    “Diaspora investment is not just about capital; it’s about building ecosystems and reshaping Africa’s economic narrative. We are proud to create a platform where action-oriented conversations drive real change.”

  • Tariff War could cut US-China goods trade by 80%, says  Okonjo-Iweala

    Tariff War could cut US-China goods trade by 80%, says  Okonjo-Iweala

    • Could reduce global GDP by 7%

    The World Trade Organization chief said Wednesday the US-China tariff war could reduce trade in goods between the two economic giants by 80 per cent , pulling down the rest of the world economy.

    President Donald Trump raised tariffs on China to 125 percent on Wednesday as the world’s two largest economies fought over retaliatory levies.

    “The escalating trade tensions between the United States and China pose a significant risk of a sharp contraction in bilateral trade. Our preliminary projections suggest that merchandise trade between these two economies could decrease by as much as 80 percent,” WTO director general Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala said in a statement.

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    She said the United States and China together accounted for three per cent of world trade  and warned that the conflict could “severely damage the global economic outlook”.

    Even as he slapped further tariffs on China, Trump paused higher tariffs on the rest of the world for 90 days after dozens of countries reached out for negotiations.

    Okonjo-Iweala warned that the world economy risked breaking into two blocs, one centred around the United States and the other China.

  • Why ‘tit for tat tariff war’ must be avoided, by Okonjo-Iweala

    Why ‘tit for tat tariff war’ must be avoided, by Okonjo-Iweala

    •IMF asks US, trading partners to end tensions

    Director-General of the World Trade Organisation (WTO), Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, at the weekend cautioned against the rising tension in global trade tariff. She warned that the escalating tariff could have devastating consequences for the world economy.

    Last week, the United States’ decision to introduce new trade restrictions on countries prompted fears of retaliation from key global players which is feared may snowball into a full-blown trade war.

    The International Monetary Fund (IMF) Managing Director, Kristalina Georgieva also called on the United States Government and its trading partners to work together at resolving issues around the import tariffs announced by President, Donald Trump administration.

    A 10 per cent “baseline” tariff on most imports to the US took effect on Saturday – with several countries facing more higher taxes from April 9. Africa has 14 per cent import tariff tag, which means Nigeria falls within the bracket.

    Okonjo-Iweala expressed deep concern over the unfolding situation, stating: “The WTO Secretariat is closely monitoring and analysing the measures announced by the United States on April 2, 2025. Many members have reached out to us and we are actively engaging with them in response to their questions about the potential impact on their economies and the global trading system.”

    She noted that the new measures, when combined with those introduced since the start of the year, could lead to a sharp downturn in global trade flows.

    She said: “The recent announcements will have substantial implications for global trade and economic growth prospects.

     “While the situation is rapidly evolving, our initial estimates suggest that these measures, coupled with those introduced since the beginning of the year, could lead to an overall contraction of around 1 per cent in global merchandise trade volumes this year, representing a downward revision of nearly four percentage points from previous projections.”

    Read Also: Food prices drop, ease cost of living

    Okonjo-Iweala, is was also Nigeria’s former finance minister,  warned that the potential for a tit-for-tat tariff spiral was real and dangerous.

     “I’m deeply concerned about this decline and the potential for escalation into a tariff war with a cycle of retaliatory measures that lead to further declines in trade,” she said.

    She emphasised that despite the new restrictions, most global trade still benefits from WTO protections under the Most-Favored-Nation (MFN) system.

     “It is important to remember that, despite these new measures, the vast majority of global trade still flows under the WTO’s Most-Favored-Nation (MFN) terms. Our estimates now indicate that this share currently stands at 74 per cent, down from around 80 per cent at the beginning of the year. WTO members must stand together to safeguard these gains,” she stressed.

    Taking to her official X handle, the WTO chief summed up her position with a warning: “We need to avoid a tit for tat tariff war. This will be destructive for the global economy.”

    Her latest warning echoes remarks she expressed earlier in the year at the World Economic Forum in Davos, where she urged calm amid growing tariff threats, especially from the United States.

    In a panel discussion on tariff, in a week that saw US President Donald Trump threatening tariffs against China, the European Union, Mexico and Canada, Okonjo-Iweala cautioned against overreaction, stating: “Please let’s not hyperventilate. I know we are here to discuss tariffs. I’ve been saying to everybody: could we chill, also. I just sense a lot of hyperventilation.”

    She evoked the historical lesson of the 1930s Great Depression, where the Smoot-Hawley Tariff Act triggered a wave of retaliatory duties that deepened the global economic downturn.

    She said: “We are very much saying to our members at the WTO: you have other avenues. Even if a tariff is levied, please keep calm, don’t wake up and without the necessary groundwork levy your own.

     “If we have tit-for-tat retaliation, whether it’s 25 percent tariffs, 60 percent, and we go to where we were in the 1930s, we are going to see double-digit global GDP losses, double-digit. That’s catastrophic,” she added.

    In a statement, IMF said the Fund was still assessing the macroeconomic implications of the tariffs, and will provide full review in during the IMF/World Bank Spring Meetings later this month in US.

    Georgieva said: “We are still assessing the macroeconomic implications of the announced tariff measures, but they clearly represent a significant risk to the global outlook at a time of sluggish growth. It is important to avoid steps that could further harm the world economy. We appeal to the United States and its trading partners to work constructively to resolve trade tensions and reduce uncertainty.”

     “We will share the results of our assessment in the World Economic Outlook, which will be published at the time of the IMF/World Bank Spring Meetings later this month”.

    Meanwhile, and economist and CEO Economic Associates, Ayo Teriba, speaking on the impact on local banks, said drop in equities prices can lead to major losses for Nigerians with investment in global companies, and as more people sell off their stock, that could lead to global recession.

    Teriba, said foreign investors with portfolio investment in Nigeria may pull out their funds, to cover losses at home.

    He said some Nigeria banks with investment in US stocks, will also record huge losses as global equities prices nosedive.

    He also warned that capital flight out of the country, will adversely impact on the forex market, leading to decline in exchange rate.

    Teriba said with crisis around oil prices, and equities in turmoil, investors can push more funds to gold, to safeguard the value of their investments.

    He also called for dialogue in resolving the tariffs challenge.

    Likewise, Indonesian government says it won’t retaliate against Donald Trump’s tariffs, after the US president announced an additional 32 per cent levy on its exports on Wednesday.

    In a statement, chief economic minister Airlangga Hartarto says Jakarta will pursue negotiations to find a solution.

    It comes after some countries, including the UK, chose not to announce reciprocal tariffs on the US.

    Others, like China – one of the countries hit hardest by Trump’s tariffs – have announced counter-measures.

  • Okonjo-Iweala, Ogunsanwo, Osaghae, others react to U.S. president’s executive orders

    Okonjo-Iweala, Ogunsanwo, Osaghae, others react to U.S. president’s executive orders

    Director-General of the World Trade Organisation (WTO) Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, former Nigerian High Commissioner to Botswana and former Nigerian Ambassador to Belgium Prof. 

    Alaba Ogunsanwo, and Director-General of the Nigerian Institute of International Affairs, Prof. Eghosa Osaghae, have reacted to executive orders signed by United States President Donald Trump in an interview with The Nation.

    Former Vice Chancellor, Federal University, Oye-Ekiti, Prof.  Kayode Soremekun and former Nigerian Ambassador to France and Monaco, Akin Fayomi, who was also a former Undersecretary at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and the Director of Studies, Nigerian Institute of International Affairs (NIIA), Lagos Prof. Efem Ubi, also spoke with The Nation about the issue.

    Okonjo-Iweala calls for calm

    At the 2025 World Economic Forum (WEF) in Davos, Switzerland, Okonjo-Iweala addressed the development during a panel discussion held yesterday, urging member-states to keep calm.

    She advised WTO members to observe actual policy implementations before reacting, saying calmness is necessary during uncertain developments.

    “I’m concerned, but you can see my attitude and approach is keep calm. Let’s see what policies are actually enacted and implemented before we get overexcited,” she said.

    Osaghe: we are not Americans

    The NIIA director-general said the executive orders are American laws and not Nigerian orders.

    He warned that those living in the U.S. illegally should know the consequence of their actions.

    Prof. Osaghe said: “Anybody who wants to do business with the U.S. must adapt with their laws. If anybody is coming to Nigeria, he or she must not flout our laws. He or she must face the consequence if done. The executive orders are not for Nigerians, other Africans, Indians and others. They are designed to streamline the way things are done in the U.S.”

    They are American issues, says Ogunsanwo

    Prof. Ogunsanwo described the executive orders as American issues.

    According to the international relations expert, “Any American President that is elected can issue executive orders. Anybody in living in America can go to court to challenge such orders. If it’s overruled, that is it.

    “If another president is elected, he may overrule Trump. That is America, it should not bother us as Nigerians.”

    Ambassador Fayomi: it’s premature to assess Trump’s policies

    Fayomi submitted that it was rather premature to assess Trump’s policies.

    He said: “I don’t care for Mr. Trump and his policies, but it is a surety that many of them, including this one on banning birthright citizenship, will elicit lots of discussions and interrogations as well as numerous legal actions which seem to have started as we speak.

    “If someone has a legitimate visa and is given entry into any country, including the United States, that person is not an ‘illegal immigrant’.

    “That phrase is reserved for people that come into a country illegally, without documentations, or those that have overstayed their visas, or those that are working illegally even though their visas specifically state that they are not allowed to seek employment in the country.

    “There’s the principle of “jus soli”, meaning “right of the soil” in the U.S. Constitution. Unless that aspect is amended, Mr. Trump is just wasting his time on this policy.

     “It is too early in the day to assess Mr. Trump’s controversial policies.”

    Soremekun: there may be jolt to American economy

    Prof. Soremekun said the Trump’s policy of birthright citizenship was not really new.

    “A while ago, it was put in place by Britain. But somehow the affected individuals had a way of circumventing the policy. Of course, Nigerians who hope to devolve American citizenship on their unborn children will not like this new policy.

    “On the other hand, it could well spawn a better governance policy in Nigeria. For if there is no place to take refuge, this may ensure novel and positive postures here. As for what Americans are saying some of them will welcome it. However, some will be indifferent. But please note that a lot of the low- level and low paying jobs are being done by the immigrants, particularly the illegal ones. So, there may be a jolt to the American economy.

    “I fully agree with the move to send back criminal aliens to their respective countries. Such a move will make the country safer for its citizens. But the question, however, remains: Who is a criminal? Such a person must have been tried on the platform of due process, prior to being dubbed a criminal.”

    Prof. Ubi: birthright citizenship is U.S. internal policy

    Prof Ubi yesterday declared that the birthright citizenship is U.S. internal policy, which none citizens or any other country can’t interfere with.

    “On the contrary, the policy doesn’t have any negative impact on Nigeria or any country.

    “Nigerians who might be perturbed about the birthright citizenship policy are those who are hoping to go and have their children born there. Remember, UK government also imposed same policy few years ago. Nigerians have adjusted to it.

    “That notwithstanding, the Executive Order of the birthright citizenship is being challenged by 18 states in the U.S., which is the right thing to do.

    “According to the Attorneys General of these states, the President has no authority to rewrite or nullify a constitutional amendment or duly enacted statute. But let’s wait and see what the future outcome will be.

    “On the issue of criminal aliens, I do not see anything wrong with that if the person being sent back is not a legal citizen of the Unites States. But it will be wrong to send back a bona fide U.S. citizen to his country of origin.

    “In fact, President Trump’s Executive Orders such as this undermines U.S. posture of the epitome of a liberal world order. It portrays what we term ‘international hypocrisy’.”

  • Tinubu applauds Okonjo-Iweala, Adeola, Adesina on UNILAG’s awards

    Tinubu applauds Okonjo-Iweala, Adeola, Adesina on UNILAG’s awards

    President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has congratulated three eminent Nigerians — Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, Mr. Fola Adeola, and Mr. Kola Adesina — on receiving honorary doctorate degrees from the University of Lagos (UNILAG) during its 55th convocation ceremony.

    In a statement yesterday in Abuja by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Mr. Bayo Onanuga, President Tinubu praised the recipients for their outstanding achievements and the impact on they have made on Nigeria’s development.

    The President hailed the Director-General of the World Trade Organisation (WTO), Dr. Okonjo-Iweala, for her historic leadership as the first African woman to head the global trade body and her transformative reforms in Nigeria’s financial sector.

    Mr. Adeola, a co-founder of Guaranty Trust Bank Plc and founder of the FATE Foundation, received the President’s kudos for his pivotal role in shaping the Nigerian banking landscape and mentoring young entrepreneurs through innovative training and financial support.

    Mr. Adesina, an alumnus of UNILAG and Group Managing Director of Sahara Power Group, earned accolades for his trailblazing efforts in Nigeria’s energy sector, spearheading sustainable power solutions and driving innovation in infrastructure across 42 countries.

    Read Also: Tinubu applauds Okonjo-Iweala, Adeola, Adesina on UNILAG honorary doctorates

    In a personal congratulatory message to Mr. Adesina, President Tinubu said: “This honorary degree is a well-deserved acknowledgment of your tireless efforts to elevate engineering standards and drive innovation in Nigeria.”

    Acknowledging the achievements of all three honorees, President Tinubu expressed pride in their contributions to Nigeria’s growth and urged them to continue serving as role models.

    “You are beacons of hope, innovation, and inspiration for future generations,” he said, underscoring their dedication to excellence and national development.

    The honorary Doctor of Science degrees (D.Sc.) conferred upon the trio reflect their commitment to advancing the nation’s socio-economic progress.

    President Tinubu wished them continued success in their endeavors, assuring them of the government’s appreciation for their invaluable efforts.

    The UNILAG honoured the recipients for their exceptional service and dedication to the nation’s progress, celebrating their global recognition and impact in their respective fields.

  • Tinubu applauds Okonjo-Iweala, Adeola, Adesina on UNILAG honorary doctorates

    Tinubu applauds Okonjo-Iweala, Adeola, Adesina on UNILAG honorary doctorates

    President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has congratulated three eminent Nigerians—Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, Mr. Fola Adeola, and Mr. Kola Adesina—on receiving honorary doctorate degrees from the University of Lagos (UNILAG) during its 55th convocation ceremony.

    In a statement issued on Thursday by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, President Tinubu praised the recipients for their outstanding achievements and their impact on Nigeria’s development.

    The President lauded Dr. Okonjo-Iweala, the Director-General of the World Trade Organization, for her historic leadership as the first African woman to head the global trade body and for her transformative reforms in Nigeria’s financial sector.

    Adeola, co-founder of Guaranty Trust Bank Plc and founder of the FATE Foundation, was commended for his pivotal role in shaping the Nigerian banking landscape and mentoring young entrepreneurs through innovative training and financial support.

    Adesina, an alumnus of UNILAG and Group Managing Director of Sahara Power Group, earned accolades for his trailblazing efforts in Nigeria’s energy sector, spearheading sustainable power solutions and driving innovation in infrastructure across 42 countries.

    In a personal congratulatory message to Mr. Adesina, President Tinubu highlighted the transformative work of Sahara Power Group under his leadership, which has inspired excellence in the energy sector.

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    “This honorary degree is a well-deserved acknowledgement of your tireless efforts to elevate engineering standards and drive innovation in Nigeria,” the President said.

    Acknowledging the achievements of all three honourees, President Tinubu expressed pride in their contributions to Nigeria’s growth and urged them to continue serving as role models.

    “You are beacons of hope, innovation, and inspiration for future generations,” he stated, underscoring their dedication to excellence and national development.

    The honorary Doctor of Science degrees (D.Sc.) conferred upon the trio reflect their commitment to advancing the nation’s socio-economic progress.

    President Tinubu wished them continued success in their endeavours, assuring them of the government’s appreciation for their invaluable efforts.

    The University of Lagos honoured the recipients for their exceptional service and dedication to the nation’s progress, celebrating their global recognition and impact in their respective fields.

  • PANDEF hails Okonjo-Iweala’s reappointment as WTO DG

    PANDEF hails Okonjo-Iweala’s reappointment as WTO DG

    The Pan-Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF) has lauded the reappointment of Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala as Director-General of the World Trade Organisation (WTO).

    The apex socio-political organisation and umbrella body for the people of Niger Delta described Okonjo-Iweala as a “shining star and an outstanding ambassador of our country and the Niger Delta, hailing from the historic town of Ogwashi-Ukwu in Delta State.”

    National Chairman of PANDEF, Dr. Godknows Igali said Okonjo-Iweala has shown that the Niger Delta region was home to transformative leaders capable of addressing global challenges with innovative solutions.

    The statement said: “Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala is a shining star and an outstanding ambassador of our country and the Niger Delta, hailing from the historic town of Ogwashi-Ukwu in Delta State. She exemplifies the indomitable spirit, resilience, and brilliance that define our people. 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, Dr. 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. Indeed, during 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.

    Read Also: Mutfwang celebrates Okonjo-Iweala’s reappointment as WTO DG

    “We are proud to restate that Dr. Okonjo-Iweala’s qualities of integrity, intellect, and unwavering commitment to global economic equity make her a beacon of hope for Africa and the world. She is a symbol of what is possible when talent meets dedication, and her achievements inspire not only the people of the Niger Delta but all Nigerians and Africans. These peesonal attributes clearly 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.”

  • Mutfwang celebrates Okonjo-Iweala’s reappointment as WTO DG

    Mutfwang celebrates Okonjo-Iweala’s reappointment as WTO DG

    Plateau State Governor, Barr. Caleb  Mutfwang, has congratulated Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala on her unanimous reappointment as Director-General of the World Trade Organization (WTO).

    In a congratulatory message, Governor Mutfwang described Dr. Okonjo-Iweala as a visionary leader and an exceptional economist whose strategic foresight has continued to shape the future of global trade.

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    The Governor noted that her first tenure ushered in innovative reforms, strengthening the WTO’s role in fostering equitable international trade and driving global economic growth. He expressed confidence that her continued leadership will further expand the frontiers of international economic relations among nations.

    Governor Mutfwang, in a statement by his spokesman, Gyang Bere, praised Dr Okonjo-Iweala’s steadfast commitment to addressing global economic challenges, describing her as a beacon of fairness, justice, and empathy in championing an inclusive and equitable multilateral trading system.