By Attah Ede
A former Foreign Affairs Minister, Prof Joy Ogu has died at the age of 79.
There are media reports that she died in New York of a cancer/related illness.
The former Minister’s demise was confirmed to the media by Ambassador Usman Sarki, former Nigerian Deputy Permanent Representative to the United Nations who served under her during her time in the global body.
Meanwhile, President Bola Tinubu has reacted her to death saying she promoted Nigeria’s image on the global stage.
The President expressed deep sorrow over the passing of Nigeria’s former Minister of Foreign Affairs, in a statement on Tuesday by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga.
He described the late diplomat as a trailblazer who rose to the peak of her profession through excellence and hard work.
“Ambassador Ogwu, a distinguished scholar and diplomat, served as Nigeria’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations in New York from May 2008 to May 2017.
“During her tenure, she twice presided over the UN Security Council, in July 2010 and October 2011, where she was widely respected for her clarity of purpose and commitment to global peace, disarmament, and the advancement of women’s rights.
“Before her UN appointment, Ogwu was Director-General of the Nigerian Institute of International Affairs (NIIA), where she made notable contributions to shaping Nigeria’s foreign policy and promoting international relations scholarship.
President Tinubu praised her outstanding service to the nation and her efforts in promoting Nigeria’s image on the global stage.
“Nigeria has lost a trailblazer who rose to the highest level of her vocation through excellence and hard work,” the President stated.
He extended his condolences to Ambassador Ogwu’s family, including her five children, grandchildren, siblings, as well as members of the diplomatic and academic communities mourning her loss.
President Tinubu prayed for the repose of her soul and for divine comfort for all those she left behind
