Our Reporter, Abuja
World Trade Organization Director-General Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala has once again bridged the worlds of global leadership and local tradition, as she joined Umu Ada Association in Isingwu, Umuahia, her husband’s village, in a Christmas dance.
In a vibrant Christmas video, which she shared on her X handle during the festive season, Okonjo-Iweala is seen in traditional attire, moving joyfully to Igbo rhythms amid cheers from fellow women. The moment, captured in her hometown, highlights her enduring connection to her roots even as she leads the world’s top trade body.
In Igbo society, the Umu Ada—meaning “daughters of the clan”—hold a revered position. Traditionally, they wield significant moral and social authority, mediating disputes, enforcing customs, and, in extreme cases, sanctioning or unseating leaders who violate community norms.
Many responses to Okonjo-Iweala’s post echoed this influence, praising the Umu Ada as custodians of justice and cultural continuity.
The video quickly resonated online, drawing widespread admiration for its blend of cultural pride and personal achievement. Netizens celebrated Okonjo-Iweala as a powerful role model who embodies female empowerment while honoring tradition, sparking broader conversations about the relevance of Igbo customs in contemporary Nigeria.
With more than 13,000 likes and thousands of appreciative comments, the post underscored Okonjo-Iweala’s unique stature—not only as a global economic leader, but also as a cultural icon whose journey continues to inspire across generations.
Watch the video here.
