World Celebrates as 1st Black Woman to Lead WTO Is Announced
- It's jubilation time in Africa as Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala finally emerges as the director-general of the WTO, World Trade Organisation
- Okonjo-Iweala's appointment was confirmed at a special meeting of the General Council on Monday, 15 February
- The former minister of finance is the first woman and the first African to head the international organisation
PAY ATTENTION: Join Legit.ng Telegram channel! Never miss important updates!
Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, Nigeria’s former minister, has been finally appointed as the next director-general of the World Trade Organisation (WTO).
According to a brief statement released by the WTO via its verified Twitter page, Okonjo-Iweala was appointed following the decision taken at a special meeting of the General Council on Monday, 15 February.
Briefly.co.za gathers that the decision follows a selection process that included eight candidates from around the world.
Source: UGC
Her term officially starts on Monday, 1 March 2021.
Okonjo-Iweala is the first woman and the first African to head the international organisation.
Take a look at some of the responses the good news received:
Theophilous James said:
"A fantastic job. Congratulations. Serve the world to be a better place."
Sadiq Abu said:
"Gratitude be to PMB who stood firmly and rally round supports at both national and internal community to ensure that Okonjo make the day. Congrats Nextlevel...."
Michael Wada said:
"Congratulation. May God give you the grace to lead effectively."
Ladyuche Nwodika said:
"Congratulations ma. You always made Nigeria proud"
Francis Nwobegu said:
"Well deserved appointment, congratulations madam."
Olukole Janet Olanike said:
"I don't know why people like you can't become the president of this country"
Abdulsalam Ado said:
"Congratulations please try and show them what blacks are capable of doing"
In similar news, Briefly.co.za reported on Sydney Barber, the first black woman to serve as a Brigade Commander in the US Navy Academy. USA Today reports that she will be the 16th woman to hold the highly esteemed position since women became welcome in the Naval Academy in 1972.
It should be noted that the first woman to hold the position was Juliane Gallina in 1992. Barber is presently studying mechanical engineering and one day hopes to become a Marine Corps officer.
The black woman said she was inspired by Jaine Mines who was the first black woman to graduate from the academy. In response, Mines said the lady's comment really made her emotional.
Enjoyed reading our story? Download BRIEFLY's news app on Google Play now and stay up-to-date with major South African news!
Source: Briefly News
Kelly Lippke (Senior Editor) Kelly Lippke is a copy editor/proofreader who started her career at the Northern-Natal Courier with a BA in Communication Science/Psychology (Unisa, 2007). Kelly has worked for several Caxton publications, including the Highway Mail and Northglen News. Kelly’s unique editing perspective stems from an additional major in Linguistics. Kelly joined Briefly News in 2018 and she has 14 years of experience. Kelly has also passed a set of trainings by Google News Initiative. You can reach her at kelly.lippke@briefly.co.za.
Reeshni Chetty Reeshni Chetty is a senior current affairs reporter. The Damelin journalism and media studies graduate was top of her class with 16 distinctions and she boasts experience in radio, print and digital media. When Reeshni is not rushing to bring you the most important and breaking news in current affairs, she's raising awareness around mental health. Reeshni has a passion for breaking the stigma surrounding mental health issues.
