WTO: Okonjo-Iweala says she feels "wind" in her back amid supports
- The coast is getting clear for Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala's quest for WTO top seat
- The former Nigerian finance minister has received the supports of over 50 countries from Africa
- Okonjo-Iweala said she could "feel the wind" in her back as she is eyeing the recording-setting job
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Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, Nigeria's former minister and one of the two candidates vying for the World Trade Organization (WTO) director-general, has asserted her confidence in taking the top seat.
The renowned Nigerian-born economist and international development expert made this known on Friday, October 16, while speaking during a virtual press briefing after the 55-member African Union officially supported her, Daily Mail reports.
Iweala, who is vying for the WTO DG seat in a close race with Yoo Myung-hee of South Korea, said she could feel the support given to her.
The 66-year-old former Nigerian minister has received massive support from over 70 countries across the world in her quest to lead the crisis-wracked organisation.
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With a career stranding over 25 years as a development economist, Iweala may become the first woman to lead WTO in its over two-decade existence.
Speaking during the AU endorsement, Okonjo-Iweala said she could feel the wind in her back, meaning she is enjoying the massive support coming from Africa.
In her words:
"I feel the wind behind my back. If that person is African and a woman, I think that is great. Because... neither an African nor a woman has led the organisation.
"The WTO at this time with the challenges it confronts needs a very competent Director General who is able to have the political reach and stature to be able to do reforms and deal at very high levels."
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Meanwhile, it was earlier reported that the former minister of finance had a closed-door meeting with President Muhammadu Buhari at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.
Iweala was accompanied by the minister of industry, trade and Investment, Niyi Adebayo, and Zubair Dada, the minister of state for foreign affairs.
Although not officially confirmed, Iweala's visit to the president may not be entirely unconnected to her bid to become the director-general of the World Trade Organisation.
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