By conyeani
UNITED NATIONS, NY – Aug. 31 – The Nigerian Permanent Mission to the United Nations celebrated the country’s United Nations Security Council chairmanship on the last day of August, 31st, at the UN delegates lounge, which was the day that the country gave up the 3rd chairmanship it had garnered since Prof. Joy Ogwu became the Ambassador and Permanent Representative of Nigeria to the United Nations seven years ago. Before then, Nigeria had achieved that feat only once.
It was a packed affair as most of the big time Ambassadors were all there. But, as the evening proceeded, I listened to some of the journalists covering the United Nations, and the consensus was that Ambassador Ogwu had done a fantastic job as usual. They acclaimed her leadership, especially the easy access with which the journalists were able to talk with her. Some started talking about her as a potential Secretary-General.
L-R: Ambassador Samantha Power of the U.S. Mission to the UN, Ambassador Joy Ogwu, Ambassador Dina Kawar of the Kingdom of Jordan to the UN and Ambassador Karel Jan Gustaaf van Oosterom of the Kingdom of the Netherlands to the UN
Hon. Ugochukwu Nwaokoro, Deputy Mayor of Newark, NJ., Ambassador Joy Ogwu, Dr. Chika Onnyeani of the African Sun Times
Ambassador Joy of course demurred, but also reminded those who were thinking such thoughts that she is from Africa, and it is not Africa’s turn again. “Well, maybe, this time it will be based on gender. You will be the first female Secretary-General of the United Nations.”
Well, we all chimed in and said why not!! Joy Ogwu, a gem in the corridors of diplomacy and a great asset to Africa in general, and Nige3ria in particular.
I took the opportunity of the occasion to present to the Ambassador the award that she had been given by Council of Igbo States in America (CISA) at its 2nd World Igbo Festival of Arts and Culture in Staunton, VA, in July in honor of Mrs. Margaret Ekpo, the woman who led the first Aba protest in 1926 that ignited the drive for independence by Nigerians from its British colonial master.
l-r: Mr. Ezenwa Nwaobiala, Special Assistant to the Ambassador, Mr. Christian Ekweremadu, and Hon. Nwaokoro
Dr. Chika Onyeani, presenting the Chief Mrs. Margaret Ekpo Award to Ambassador Ogwu on behalf of the Council of Igbo States in America during the 2nd World Igbo Festival of Arts and Culture in Staunton, VA
http://africansuntimes.com/2015/09/ambassador-joy-ogwu-from-madam-ambassador-to-madam-secretary-general/
