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Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala Reappointed for a Second Term as Director-General of the WTO
Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, Nigeria’s renowned economist and the Director-General of the World Trade Organization (WTO), has shared her thoughts following her reappointment for a second term.
The WTO General Council confirmed her reappointment, extending her leadership for another four years.
Okonjo-Iweala expressed profound gratitude for the trust and support shown by the WTO’s 166 member nations.
In a statement addressed to the WTO General Council on Friday, Okonjo-Iweala acknowledged the honor of continuing in her role, emphasizing her commitment to advancing the organization’s mission.
“I am deeply honored by the trust and support of the WTO General Council and its 166 Members,” she said.
“It is a privilege to continue serving as Director-General for a second term.”
Since taking office, Okonjo-Iweala has played a pivotal role in guiding the WTO through some of the most challenging times in recent history.
Under her leadership, the organization navigated the global economic turmoil caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, managed the effects of ongoing conflicts, and faced growing geopolitical tensions.
Looking ahead, the Director-General emphasized her dedication to delivering impactful results.
“In recent years, the WTO has played a vital role in helping Members navigate pressing global challenges, including the pandemic, conflict, and heightened geopolitical tensions,” she noted.
“As we look ahead, I remain firmly committed to delivering results that matter—results that ultimately improve the lives of people around the world.”
In her statement, Okonjo-Iweala also mentioned the importance of collaboration within the WTO.
She reaffirmed her commitment to working closely with the organization’s staff to build a multilateral trading system that is more inclusive, equitable, and based on clear, fair rules that benefit all.
The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has reportedly declared a strike at Taraba State University over outstanding salary-related demands and delays in payments.
The strike is scheduled to begin today, October 12, 2026. According to the union’s chairman, the union had been engaging the Taraba State Government over its outstanding demands since February 2026.
“The union had exercised considerable patience and demonstrated its commitment to dialogue since February 2026, when it began engaging the Taraba State Government over the outstanding issues,” Mbave said.
“The union had earlier suspended its planned industrial action following an appeal by the government for additional time through the Office of the Head of Civil Service, in the interest of maintaining industrial harmony,” the chairman added.
The Chairman of Gboko Local Government Area of Benue State, Torseer Yina, has imposed a dusk-to-dawn curfew in the ancient town.
The curfew takes effect from Thursday, October 8, 2026, following unrest and violent protests in the area.
According to reports, the action was taken to contain the unrest and violent protests by members of BEMOA following the death of one of its members by unknown gunmen.
The protest, which was reportedly hijacked by hoodlums, turned violent after an angry mob burnt two vehicles belonging to the Benue State Civil Protection Guards.
The Gboko council chairman said the curfew takes effect immediately and warned that anyone caught flouting the order or breaching public peace would be decisively dealt with.
Nine people have died in a fatal road crash along the Ijebu-Ode-Benin Expressway in Ogun State.
The crash occurred on Monday at about 4:55pm around the Bethel area along the Ijebu-Ode/Ore axis of the expressway. It involved a white Toyota Hiace commercial bus belonging to Delta Line and a white Sino truck operated by Bill Gas Solution Ltd.
According to the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), all nine people involved in the crash, comprising three males and six females, died in the incident.
The FRSC said the crash occurred while it was raining and the road was wet, with preliminary investigations identifying speed violation as the probable cause.
The FRSC rescue team arrived at the scene shortly after receiving the report, while the bodies of the victims were taken to the General Hospital Morgue in Ijebu-Ode.
The Ogun State Sector Commander, Oludare Ogunjobi, urged motorists, especially commercial drivers, to obey speed limits and exercise extra caution when driving in the rain.
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