Tinubu Mourns Former UN Envoy Joy Ogwu

By: Aremu Toyeebaht

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has mourned the death of former Minister of Foreign Affairs and Nigeria’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Ambassador Joy Uche Angela Ogwu, who passed away at the age of 79.

In a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Mr. Bayo Onanuga, the President described the late diplomat as “a trailblazer who rose to the highest level of her vocation through excellence and hard work.”

Ambassador Ogwu, who served as Nigeria’s envoy to the UN from May 2008 to May 2017, was celebrated for her scholarly distinction and outstanding diplomatic service. Before her UN posting, she was the Director-General of the Nigerian Institute of International Affairs (NIIA), where she made groundbreaking contributions to Nigeria’s foreign policy and global engagement.

During her tenure, she twice presided over the United Nations Security Council — first in July 2010 and again in October 2011 — earning global respect for her commitment to peace, disarmament, and women’s empowerment.

President Tinubu praised Ogwu’s legacy of integrity and service, noting that she “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, and siblings, as well as to members of Nigeria’s diplomatic and academic communities.