Tinubu mourns former Foreign Minister Joy Ogwu
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has expressed deep sorrow over the death of Nigeria’s former Minister of Foreign Affairs and one-time Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Ambassador Joy Uche Angela Ogwu, who passed away at the age of 79.
In a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Mr. Bayo Onanuga, the President described the late diplomat as a “trailblazer who rose to the highest level of her vocation through excellence and hard work.”
Ambassador Ogwu, who served as Nigeria’s envoy to the United Nations from May 2008 to May 2017, was widely regarded as one of the country’s most accomplished diplomats and scholars.
Her tenure at the United Nations was marked by her commitment to global peace, disarmament, and the promotion of women’s rights on the international stage.
A lifetime of service and excellence
Before her appointment as UN envoy, she served as Director-General of the Nigerian Institute of International Affairs (NIIA), where she played a key role in shaping Nigeria’s foreign policy and deepening the country’s global engagement.
A respected scholar and author, Ambassador Ogwu combined academic brilliance with diplomatic tact, earning worldwide recognition for her work in international relations.
During her tenure at the United Nations, she served twice as President of the UN Security Council, first in July 2010 and again in October 2011, becoming one of the few African women ever to hold that position.
Through her vision and leadership, she consistently advocated for disarmament, peacebuilding, and women’s empowerment, leaving an enduring mark on the international stage. Her career reflected a lifelong commitment to national service and global diplomacy.
Tinubu pays tribute to an enduring legacy
President Tinubu praised her lifetime of public service and intellectual distinction, noting that the late Ambassador “projected Nigeria’s voice with clarity and purpose and worked tirelessly for the good of humanity.”
He described her as “a model of dignity and patriotism whose contributions to Nigeria’s diplomacy and foreign policy will continue to inspire generations.”
“Ambassador Ogwu was a trailblazer whose contributions to Nigeria’s diplomacy and global representation will remain indelible. She was a model of discipline, excellence, and commitment,” the President said.
Tinubu extended heartfelt condolences to the Ogwu family, including her five children, grandchildren, siblings, and members of the diplomatic and academic communities, as well as to all Nigerians mourning her passing.
He prayed for the peaceful repose of her soul and for divine comfort for all who grieve her loss.
Ambassador Joy Uche Angela Ogwu’s passing marks the end of an era in Nigeria’s diplomatic history, but her legacy as a scholar, reformer, and advocate for peace remains a lasting inspiration to the nation she served so diligently.
