President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has expressed profound sorrow over the death of Ambassador Joy Uche Angela Ogwu, a former Minister of Foreign Affairs and Nigeria’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, who passed away at the age of 79.
In a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Mr. Bayo Onanuga, President Tinubu described the late diplomat as a “trailblazer who rose to the highest level of her vocation through excellence and hard work.” He praised her exceptional contributions to Nigeria’s foreign service, both as a diplomat and a scholar.
Ambassador Ogwu served as Nigeria’s envoy to the United Nations from May 2008 to May 2017 and held the prestigious role of President of the UN Security Council twice—in July 2010 and October 2011. She was widely admired for her firm stance on global disarmament, her advocacy for peace and international security, and her tireless work promoting women’s rights on the world stage.
Before her UN posting, Ogwu also served as Director-General of the Nigerian Institute of International Affairs (NIIA), where she played a central role in shaping Nigeria’s foreign policy and elevating the country’s profile in international affairs scholarship.
President Tinubu lauded her as a diplomat who “projected Nigeria’s voice with clarity and purpose and worked tirelessly for the good of humanity.” He extended heartfelt condolences to her family, including her five children, grandchildren, siblings, and members of the diplomatic and academic communities mourning her loss.
The President offered prayers for the peaceful repose of her soul and for comfort to all who are grieving the loss of the highly accomplished stateswoman.
