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WTO General Council reappoints Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala as DG for a second term

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The General Council of the World Trade Organization (WTO) has agreed by consensus to reappoint Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala as Director-General for a second four-year term, set to begin on 1 September 2025.

This decision reflects broad recognition of her exceptional leadership and strategic vision for the future of the WTO.

The reappointment process, initiated on 8 October 2024, was overseen by Ambassador Petter Ølberg of Norway, Chair of the General Council. With no additional nominations submitted by the 8 November deadline,

Dr Okonjo-Iweala stood as the sole candidate. The process was conducted in a fully open and transparent manner, adhering to the WTO’s “Procedures for the Appointment of Directors-General” (WT/L/509).

During a special General Council meeting on 28-29 November 2024, Dr Okonjo-Iweala outlined her forward-looking vision for the WTO.

Following her presentation and a Q&A session with members, the Council formally endorsed her reappointment by consensus. Ambassador Ølberg praised her achievements, stating: The General Council commends Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala for her outstanding leadership during her first term.

Amid significant global economic challenges, she strengthened the WTO’s ability to support its members and set a forward-looking agenda for the organization.

Her leadership was instrumental in securing meaningful outcomes at pivotal moments, including the 12th and 13th Ministerial Conferences (MC12 and MC13), where major milestones were achieved.”

He continued: “As we look ahead, the Council fully supports Dr Okonjo-Iweala’s commitment to ensuring that the WTO remains responsive, inclusive, and results-driven.

Her leadership will be critical as the organization continues to advance a resilient, rules-based, and equitable global trading system.”

Background

Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala first assumed office as Director-General on 1 March 2021, becoming the first woman and first African to lead the WTO.

Her first term concludes on 31 August 2025.

Her reappointment highlights the strong support for her efforts to enhance the WTO’s relevance and capacity in addressing the evolving challenges of global trade.

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UPDATE: Four-storey building collapses in Lagos (Photos)

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A four-storey building has collapsed in Ojodu-Berger area of Lagos, with occupants trapped, and some feared dead.

Panic gripped residents when the uncompleted building suddenly collapsed on Saturday.

The building houses the popular Equal Right Restaurant.

The incident happened at about 11a.m., today.

As of press time, men of Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service, as well as the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency, LASEMA, who had been contacted have arrived at the scene.

See photos below:

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BREAKING: Many feared trapped, as Building collapses in Ojodu Lagos

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An unspecific number of people are believed to be trapped under an uncompleted storey building which collapsed in Lagos.

The building housing Equal Rights restaurant located at Oremeta Street, Ojodu Lagos, went down on Saturday morning.

It is believed, however, that some people are still trapped underneath the rubble.

Details later….

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Crime

Police rescue 10 kidnapped University of Benin students

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Edo State Police Command says it has rescued 10 University of Benin, UNIBEN, students abducted by suspected kidnappers at Ofosu area along the Benin-Ore expressway.

It was gathered that the students were on their way to Babcock University for Annual GYC Africa Conference when they were kidnapped on April 16 at the community bordering Edo and Ondo States.

The Public Relations Officer of the Command, Moses Yamu disclosed this in a statement made available to newsmen.

Yamu said the rescued students are eight males and two females.

He said during the rescue operation, one of the suspected kidnappers was killed, while other escaped with bullet wounds.

He also disclosed that one of the Police officers, an Inspector sustained gunshot injury and is currently responding to treatment in an undisclosed hospital.

The statement read: “The Command wishes to update the general public of the unfortunate kidnap of some students who were on their way to Babcock University for Annual GYC Africa Conference on 16/04/2025 at a location bordering Edo and Ondo States.

“On receipt of this information, the Commissioner of Police, Monday Agbonika, immediately deployed operatives of the Ohosu Division, IRT, tactical teams alongside vigilantes and hunters into the bushes for possible rescue of the victims and arrest of suspects.

“During the operation, operatives engaged in a gun duel with these kidnappers. In the process, one of the kidnappers was neutralised, while others escaped with bullet wounds.

“The operatives were cautious to avoid collateral damages as the kidnappers used the victims as human shields. Unfortunately, an Inspector of Police sustained a gunshot injury and is currently responding to treatment.

“This rescue effort eventually paid off as the ten (10) kidnapped students comprising eight (8) male and (2) females were released due to intense pressure mounted on them.”

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