President Bola Tinubu has expressed deep sorrow over the passing of Ambassador Joy Uche Angela Ogwu, a former Minister of Foreign Affairs and Nigeria’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations (UN). She was 79 years old.
Ambassador Ogwu, a seasoned diplomat and respected scholar, served as Nigeria’s Ambassador to the UN from May 2008 to May 2017, during which she twice presided over the UN Security Council—first in July 2010 and again in October 2011.
Before her diplomatic career, she was the Director-General of the Nigerian Institute of International Affairs (NIIA), where she played a pivotal role in shaping Nigeria’s foreign policy and advancing the study of international relations.
In a statement on Monday, President Tinubu described Ogwu as “a trailblazer who rose to the highest level of her vocation through excellence and hard work.”
The President praised her for “projecting Nigeria’s voice with clarity and purpose, and working tirelessly for global peace, disarmament, international security, and the advancement of women’s rights.”
President Tinubu extended heartfelt condolences to Ambassador Ogwu’s five children, grandchildren, siblings, and the diplomatic and academic community, mourning the loss of what he called “a distinguished diplomat who served her nation with honour.”
He prayed for the repose of her soul and for divine comfort for all who mourn her passing.
