Chancellor of Gregory University, Uturu in Abia State, Professor Gregory Ibe, has congratulated former Nigerian finance minister Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala on her emergence as head of the World Trade Organization (WTO).
Igbere TV had earlier reported the emergence of Okonjo-Iweala as Director-General of the WTO. She assumes the new role on March 1 as the first elected woman and African to lead the world trade body.
In a personally signed statement made available to Igbere TV, Monday night, in Umuahia, the Gregory varsity chancellor Prof. Ibe eulogized Okonjo-Iweala, while lauding the former minister’s reputation as an erudite technocrat.
The statement reads; “I am elated and absolutely beside myself with joy at your resounding victory and selection by the WTO’s General Council as the 7th Director-General of the world’s leading trade body, the World Trade Organization.
“Indeed, you have made history as the first woman and African to lead such a global outfit. Being a woman of many firsts and of immense sterling qualities, I must offer my joyous congratulations to you, Madam Director-General.
“Upon your arrival to our nation’s consciousness and being gracious to accept to serve your fellow citizens at the turn of an important page for Nigeria, you made your mark immensely, immediately and indelibly such that to this day, you have remained the benchmark with which to examine those who have come after you.
“Madam Director-General, you embody the true essence of excellence. There is no iota of doubt that your leadership at the helm of affairs of the WTO for the next four years would yield outstanding results.
“Indeed, your reputation as an erudite technocrat precedes you. Under your steady hand and distinguished leadership, global trade activities are bound to see sustained growth.
“Again, I offer my congratulations to you. My earnest prayer continues to remain that all your giant strides and determined efforts to reposition global trade and the World Trade Organization will continue to yield great results for the global community, our continent of Africa, our country Nigeria and for your people of Abia State.”
