The minister of Women Affairs and Social Development, Dame Pauline Tallen has described Dr. Ngozi Okonjo Iweala as a woman of substance with quality leadership style worthy of emulation by all women.
Tallen stated this in Abuja, while playing host to the first Nigerian female Director General of the world Trade Organization, WTO.
According to her, women have now affected every sphere of development and have shape the economic status of the world being at the apex of the drive.
The minister commended her for being a role model to all women and children especially the girl child which she represent.
She called on all women to follow her exemplary steps as sky is the stepping stone for the women folks. She congratulated her and wish her well in her new place of assignment.
Responding, the Director General of the World Trade Organization WTO Dr Ngozi Okonjo Iweala expressed her gratitude of sentiment to the Honorable Minister for her concern and love for womanhood at all levels, saying, she is touched by her wonderful gesture of warm home welcoming.
Dr. Ngozi said her work both at home and in the diaspora speaks well of a womanhood, hence, the need for all women to ensure they stand firm to protect their interest for equal right and justice which is key to development.
She said, though, women challenges abound in the area of small scale businesses, there was need to assist them meet up with the trade policy; trade rules and the trade initiative in order to encompass more women in the WTO affairs.
Dr. Ngozi promised to work with more women to improve on the economy trade of foreign affairs, ECOWAS and AU for the unity of all women to meet up their priorities in the area of trades.
She however, expressed worry over the growing rate of school children abduction particularly the girls which to her, “the fear will only push them to early marriage and as such is not healthy for the society” she stated.
She appealed to government at all levels to step up to the growing challenge and put a stop to it.
Speaking, the representative of the first lady of the federation, Dr Hajo Sani congratulated the Director General of the World Trade Organization on her appointment, saying, her appointment did not come to her as a surprise that looking at her records, she deserves more, noting that to whom much is given much is expected.
Dr Hajo pledged her readiness to support her to excel at all cost being the representative of all the women and for her quality leadership style which is worthy of emulation.
The event climax with presentation of gifts by the Honourable Minister to WTO Director General and her entourage.
