Former Minister of Foreign Affairs and Nigeria’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Professor Joy Angela Ogwu, has passed away at the age of 79.
Ogwu, a distinguished scholar and diplomat, served as Nigeria’s representative to the United Nations from May 2008 to May 2017. During her tenure, she twice presided over the UN Security Council — first in July 2010 and again in October 2011 — where she championed causes of global peace, disarmament, and international cooperation.
Before her UN appointment, Ogwu was the Director-General of the Nigerian Institute of International Affairs (NIIA), where she made groundbreaking contributions to the evolution of Nigeria’s foreign policy and the study of international relations.
Reacting to her passing, President Bola Tinubu described her death as a “great national loss.”
In a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the president said:
“Nigeria has lost a trailblazer who rose to the highest level of her vocation through excellence and hard work. Professor Ogwu projected Nigeria’s voice with clarity and purpose and worked tirelessly for global peace, disarmament, international security, and the advancement of women’s rights.”
Tinubu extended his condolences to her family, including her five children, grandchildren, and siblings, as well as to the diplomatic and academic communities that benefited from her decades of service.
Ogwu’s legacy remains firmly rooted in her dedication to public service, international diplomacy, and scholarly excellence, making her one of Nigeria’s most respected figures in global affairs.
