Nigeria is mourning the loss of one of its most distinguished diplomats, Ambassador Joy Uche Angela Ogwu, who passed away at the age of 79. Her death marks the end of a remarkable career in international diplomacy and foreign policy.
Ambassador Ogwu served as Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and later as the country’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations in New York, a role she held from May 2008 to May 2017. During her tenure, she became a respected voice on global issues, representing Nigeria with distinction on the world stage.
President Bola Tinubu expressed deep sorrow over her passing, describing her as a trailblazer in diplomacy and a committed advocate for peace and international cooperation. In a statement released by his spokesman, Bayo Onanuga, the President praised Ogwu’s legacy of service and her contributions to Nigeria’s global standing.
“She projected Nigeria’s voice with clarity and purpose,” the statement read. “Her tireless work for global peace, disarmament, international security, and the advancement of women’s rights will be remembered with admiration.”
Before her diplomatic appointments, Ogwu served as Director-General of the Nigerian Institute of International Affairs (NIIA), where she played a pivotal role in shaping Nigeria’s foreign policy and mentoring future scholars and diplomats.
Her leadership extended to the United Nations Security Council, where she presided twice—in July 2010 and October 2011—demonstrating her influence and expertise in global governance and conflict resolution.
Born in Delta State, Ogwu’s career spanned academia, policy research, and international diplomacy. She was widely regarded as a scholar of integrity and a diplomat of exceptional skill, earning respect both at home and abroad.
President Tinubu extended condolences to her five children, grandchildren, siblings, and the broader Ogwu family. He also acknowledged the grief felt across Nigeria’s diplomatic and academic communities, who have lost a revered colleague and mentor.
Tributes have poured in from across the country and internationally, with many highlighting her role in advancing Nigeria’s interests and promoting peace and equity on the global stage.
As Nigeria reflects on her legacy, Ambassador Joy Ogwu is remembered not only for her achievements but for her unwavering dedication to service, scholarship, and the pursuit of a better world.
