The diplomatic community is mourning Professor Joy Ogwu, a highly respected Nigerian diplomat who passed away at 79 in New York.
She was known for her trailblazing career, serving as Nigeria’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations and Minister of Foreign Affairs.
The former UN envoy was the first female Director-General of the Nigerian Institute of International Affairs and first woman to serve as Nigeria’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations.
She served twice as President of the UN Security Council, in July 2010 and October 2011.
The late Prof. Ogwu was also a former President of the executive board of UN Women and Chair of the board of trustees of the United Nations Institute for Disarmament Research (UNIDIR).
- She published several influential works, including “Nigerian Foreign Policy: Alternative Futures” (1986)
108scoop.com reports that tributes have poured in, with former Anambra State governor Peter Obi describing her as an “unassuming trailblazer and lady of firsts” who left an enduring legacy in Nigeria’s foreign policy and international relations.
Ambassador Usman Sarki, former Nigerian Deputy Permanent Representative to the United Nations, who served directly under her during her time in New York, expressed deep sorrow at the news.
“Today, we received the sad news of the passing away of the Permanent Representative (former), Professor Joy Ogwu,” he said.
“It is very sad. She was a very fine woman; she represented Nigeria to the best of her ability under very difficult circumstances,” Sarki added, describing Ogwu as “a very decent human being.”
“It is very sad, very unfortunate,” Sarki also said.
