Ohanaeze hails Okonjo-Iweala's WTO re-election

The apex Igbo socio-cultural organization, Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, has congratulated Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala on her re-election as Director-General of the World Trade Organization (WTO).

In a statement issued by its National Publicity Secretary, Dr. Alex Ogbonnia, the group described Okonjo-Iweala as a "renowned erudite scholar, development economist, astute administrator, and moral edifice," lauding her achievements as a trailblazer and an exemplary Igbo daughter.

The statement reads, "We are not surprised that Okonjo-Iweala 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, according to the statement, described Dr. 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," he said.