Dr Okonjo-Iweala has been appointed as the Director-General of the World Trade Organization, WTO.
WTO confirmed her appointment at a special meeting of the General Council, following a selection process that included eight candidates from around the world.
The tweet read: “Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala from Nigeria is appointed as the next WTO Director-General.
“Her term starts on the 1st of March 2021.” Dr. Okonjo-Iweala becomes the first woman and the first African to lead the WTO.
GIOTV had reported that Dr Okonjo-Iweala scaled through screening processes to emerge the WTO Director-General and is to commence her tenure on the 1st of March 2021.
WTO confirmed her appointment at a special meeting of the General Council, following a selection process that included eight candidates from around the world.
In a congratulatory message on her Twitter account, the British High Commissioner, Laing said she was delighted to hear the good news.
“So delighted to hear this now confirmed. @NOIweala is the best possible leader for @wto at the most challenging of times.
“It feels so good to have a Nigerian woman in this top job. Congratulations,” she wrote.
President of the EU Commission, Ursula von der Leyen described Okonjo-Iweala’s appointment as a historic moment for the world, especially as the first woman to be appointed as WTO DG from Africa.
The EU pledged its support to Okonjo-Iweala as the commission called for reforms of the body.
In a post on her verified Twitter, the EU President wrote: “Congratulations @NOIweala!
“This is a historic moment for the entire world. I’m so glad to see a woman from Africa at the head of the WTO.
“Europe is fully behind you. “We support the reform of the WTO and will help you protect the rules-based multilateral trading system.”
Iweala was confirmed as the WTO head at a special meeting of the general council after a selection process that included eight candidates from around the world.