The new Director General of the World Trade Organisation (WTO-DG), Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala has lauded Nigerians especially the youths whom she said influenced her emergence as the preferred candidate.
Okonjo-Iweala who is currently in Nigeria on a thank-you visit said social media use by Nigerian youths greatly influenced her success.
Speaking with the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Geoffrey Onyeama, she said that, “I say it and I will never stop saying it – without all of you and without support from ordinary Nigerians, especially young people who were always on social media all the time encouraging me, I wouldn’t have been able to make it because it was a tough competition with eight of us at the start, over a period of six months – very gruelling – so it needed a lot of encouragement.
“It’s a proud thing that Nigeria has been able to make it. I am honoured and humbled to have been selected.”
Dr Okonjo-Iweala arrived Nigeria on Saturday for a four-day official visit aimed at enhancing trade and improving the economy.
She was received on arrival by delegates led by the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Geoffrey Onyeama.
She also thanked Onyeama for his immense contribution to her success in the race for the position of WTO-DG.
According to her, “you worked night and day along with the Ministry of Trade and Investment and Minister of State for Foreign Affairs. You worked personally to make sure that this happens.
“I remember calling you so many nights with one complaint or the other or one demand or the other and you kept your cool and were always trying to sort it all out,” Okonjo-Iweala said.
She was also at the Aso Rock Villa to show appreciation to President for his endorsement and support. Her itinerary at the Villa was announced by the Personal Assistant to President Muhammadu Buhari on New Media, Bashir Ahmad.
Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala is the first woman and first Africa to occupy the seat of WTO-DG.