Nigeria lost a trailblazer, Tinubu mourns ex-minister, Joy Ogwu

President Bola Tinubu has expressed deep sorrow over the passing of Nigeria’s former Minister of Foreign Affairs and Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Ambassador Joy Ogwu.

The 79-year-old, a distinguished diplomat and scholar, served as Nigeria’s envoy to the United Nations in New York from May 2008 to May 2017.

During her tenure, she twice presided over the UN Security Council, first in July 2010 and again in October 2011, where she was widely respected for her leadership and commitment to global peace and international security.

Before her UN appointment, Ogwu served as Director-General of the Nigerian Institute of International Affairs, where she played a key role in shaping Nigeria’s foreign policy and advancing scholarship in international relations.

In a condolence message issued by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, Tinubu praised the late diplomat for “projecting Nigeria’s voice with clarity and purpose” and for her tireless work towards global peace, disarmament, and the advancement of women’s rights.

“Nigeria has lost a trailblazer who rose to the highest level of her vocation through excellence and hard work,” the President said.

Tinubu extended his condolences to Ambassador Ogwu’s children, grandchildren, siblings, and the entire Ogwu family, as well as to the diplomatic and academic communities mourning her loss.

He prayed for the peaceful repose of her soul and for divine comfort for all who grieve her passing.