The newly appointed Director-General of the World Trade Organization (WTO), Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, has promised President Muhammadu Buhari that the organization under her leadership will do more to help Nigeria overcome its many economic challenges.
She said, when she paid a thank-you-visit to the President today, March 15, at the Presidential Villa, Abuja: “WTO will do more to help Nigeria, but we need to add value to our products in order to trade more. We should exploit all the opportunities in front of us.”
She narrated the numerous opportunities for Nigeria in the global organization, as well as the challenges, even as she thanked President Buhari for the pulsating support she received from her own country in the race for the position.
“You nominated me, you wrote hundreds of letters, called up hundreds of world leaders. Without your personal and direct intervention, it may not have worked. The people of Nigeria also supported me massively. The youths were wonderful, always encouraging, backing me up on social media.
“Mr. President, the world recognizes what you have done. Since its establishment, only men have led the WTO. Now, a woman has emerged for the first time, and she’s a Nigerian. We are so honoured.”
Dr Okonjo-Iweala said that the support and leadership of President Buhari will help her a lot in her position as DG.
Responding, President Buhari acknowledged that the new WTO leader earned the position, adding: “we are happy you made it, but you earned it with your record of performance both at home and abroad.”
He also acknowledged that Dr. Okonjo-Iweala had put Nigeria more on the world map and added: “I congratulate you, as well as the country. I know you will represent us so well.”
President Buhari lauded Nigerian women once again, pointing to key positions they hold like Minister of Finance, Budget and National Planning, Head of the Civil Service of the Federation and many others.
He said that the same way, government would encourage the youths, “so that they can be ready for the challenges of the future.”
Dr. Okonjo-Iweala assumed office as the first female WTO Director General on March 1, 2021.
