Our Reporter, Abuja
Nigeria’s highly celebrated Director General of the World Trade Organisation (WTO), Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, says she is blessed as she received worldwide accolades, gifts and flowers on turning 70 years.
Okonjo-Iweala is former Nigeria’s two-term Minister of Finance and currently, the Director General of the World Trade Organisation, WTO.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in a message had congratulated Okonjo Iweala on attaining the age of 70 and praised her for “her services to the Nation and efforts at building resilient institutions.”
The President also described her as “a worthy ambassador of Nigeria exemplifying the grit, diligence and brilliance that Nigerians are known for.”
Felicitating with the WTO chief executive, Nigeria’s former minister of agriculture and current President, African Development Bank Group, Dr Akinwunmi Adesina, took to his X official account and posted a lovely picture of himself and the much respected former minister of finance referring to Okonjo-Iweala as his Aunty.
“Happy 70th birthday Aunty Goz’ @NOIweala. You are a great friend, mentor and supporter. Here we are the day after my election as President of the African Development Bank in 2015. A rare moment without your famous headgear! Historic day. Thanks always! Loads of love,” Akinwunmi, wrote.
In his message, the presidential candidate of the Labour Party, Mr Peter Obi described Okonjo-Iweala as “a symbol of success and role model to many youths.”
Reacting to the outpouring of love she received on her 70th birthday, Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala expressed happiness and appreciations for the numerous messages and bouquets that she had received.
She said: “So much outpouring of love everywhere! I want to thank all WTO ambassadors, WTO Staff, friends and family! I’ve never received much bouquets of flowers from all over the world as I have today.
“Along with good wishes and prayers, I consider myself blessed to have a loving husband, family, friends and well wishers! All glory be to God!”
