The Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Ajuri Ngelale, said in a statement on Thursday that the President rejoiced with the leader and her family on the occasion.
“The President extols the former Minister of Finance for her service to the nation and efforts towards building resilient institutions.
“President Tinubu also commends the Director-General of the World Trade Organisation for being a worthy ambassador of Nigeria, exemplifying the grit, diligence, and brilliance that Nigerians are known for.
“The President prays for many more years in good health for Dr. Okonjo-Iweala and her family,” the statement read.
Meanwhile, the WTO DG also took to her X to appreciate Tinubu’s gesture.
She posted, “I would like to thank H.E President Bola Ahmed Tinubu #officialABAT for his warm and generous message on my 70th birthday.
“It’s been an honour and a privilege to serve the nation.”
PUNCH Online reports that Okonjo-Iweala is a renowned Nigerian economist and international development expert, celebrated for her groundbreaking contributions to global finance and economic policy.
Born on June 13, 1954, she has had a distinguished career spanning several decades, marked by significant achievements in both national and international spheres.
Okonjo-Iweala made history as the first woman and the first African to serve as the Director-General of the World Trade Organisation, a position she assumed in March 2021.
Prior to this, she served twice as Nigeria’s Finance Minister, where she was instrumental in implementing critical economic reforms, negotiating debt relief for Nigeria, and promoting transparency and accountability in government finances.
Her illustrious career also includes notable tenures at the World Bank, where she rose to the position of Managing Director, overseeing a wide range of initiatives aimed at fostering sustainable economic growth and poverty reduction in developing countries.
A Harvard-educated economist with a Ph.D. from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), Okonjo-Iweala is widely respected for her expertise, leadership, and dedication to economic development and international trade.
