WTO: ‘With Okonjo-Iwela, World Has Entered New Epoch’, Says Wike

WTO: ‘With Okonjo-Iwela, World Has Entered New Epoch’, Says Wike

Governor Nyesom Wike of Rivers State, says the world has entered a new epoch with the appointment of Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala as the Director-General of the World Trade Organisation (WTO).

Okonjo-Iweala made history when the WTO confirmed her appointment on Monday at a special meeting of the General Council, following a selection process that included eight candidates from around the world.

Governor Wike, in a statement signed by his Special Assistant on Media, Kelvin Ebiri, said the appointment of Dr Okonjo-Iweala, a one-time Minister of Finance and Chairman of President Goodluck Jonathan Economic Team to lead the WTO, is a beacon of hope for Nigeria.

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The Rivers State governor said he is confident that Okonjo-Iweala, who has distinguished herself as a renowned economist and contributed to the economic successes of many nations, will usher in a new era in the WTO.

He stated the new Director-General of the WTO throughout her career both at the World Bank and as Nigeria’s Minister of Finance, had consistently demonstrated an exceptional taste for transparency, and passion for equity.

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“Having served in the Federal Executive Council with Dr Okonjo-Iweala, I am confident that she will remain committed to her principles of transparency, accountability and equity, which the world is yearning for.

“On behalf of the Government and people of Rivers State, I also take this opportunity to extend our heartfelt congratulations to you as a beacon of hope for our dear nation.”