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WTO Director-General Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala has urged Nigerians not to surrender to despair despite the economic hardship confronting households and businesses, acknowledging candidly that “things are tough” but insisting that the country still has significant strengths to build on.
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The former Finance Minister said the difficulties confronting Nigerians are part of wider global economic pressures, noting that people in different parts of the world are also experiencing hardship and uncertainty, even as she acknowledged the particular challenges facing citizens at home.
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Okonjo-Iweala highlighted the resilience, energy and entrepreneurial spirit of Nigerians as qualities that should sustain hope, describing citizens as a “forthright, energetic, entrepreneurial, never-say-never set of people” who continue to push forward despite adversity.
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The WTO chief delivered the message as Nigeria marked its 66th Independence Anniversary, celebrating Nigerians for their perseverance.
October 02, (THEWILL) – World Trade Organisation (WTO) Director-General, Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, has urged Nigerians to resist despair and remain hopeful despite the economic difficulties confronting citizens, saying the country still has significant strengths that should inspire confidence in its future.
Okonjo-Iweala, a former Minister of Finance, gave the message on Thursday as Nigeria marked its 66th Independence Anniversary.
Acknowledging the economic pressures confronting Nigerians, the WTO chief said she was aware that the current situation was difficult.
“I know things are tough as they are everywhere in the world these days,” she said.
However, Okonjo-Iweala cautioned against allowing the prevailing difficulties to overshadow the positive attributes of Nigerians and the potential of the country.
She pointed to the resilience, energy and entrepreneurial spirit of Nigerians as qualities that continue to distinguish the country and provide grounds for hope.
“But we still have so much going for us as Nigerians,” she said, describing Nigerians as “a forthright, energetic, entrepreneurial, never-say-never set of people.”
Her comments came amid continuing economic pressure on households and businesses across the country, with the cost of living remaining a major concern for citizens.
The country has, over the past six decades, experienced major political, economic, and social transformations, including military rule, the return to democratic government, economic reforms, periods of growth and severe economic downturns.
Despite its vast natural and human resources, Nigeria continues to face significant socioeconomic challenges, including poverty, unemployment, insecurity and pressure on household incomes.
Okonjo-Iweala’s message acknowledged the reality of those difficulties without suggesting that they should define the country or its people.
Instead, she drew attention to the ability of Nigerians to adapt, create opportunities and persist in the face of adversity.
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Her emphasis on entrepreneurship also reflected the prominent role of small businesses and individual enterprise in Nigeria’s economy, where millions of citizens depend on formal and informal businesses for their livelihoods.
The WTO director-general, who served as Nigeria’s finance minister before becoming the first woman and first African to lead the global trade body, has previously spoken about the need for stronger economic institutions, investment and reforms to create sustainable opportunities.
In her Independence Day message, however, she focused primarily on Nigerians themselves, celebrating their determination and capacity to withstand difficult circumstances.
She urged citizens to recognise that, despite the current challenges, there remained reasons to maintain hope and confidence in Nigeria.
Okonjo-Iweala ended her message on a patriotic note, saying: “I celebrate you all! 🇳🇬 Up Naija!”
Felix Ifijeh is a journalist with years of professional reporting experience. Known for his keen news sense, compelling storytelling and commitment to accurate, impactful reporting, he has built a reputation for turning leads into clear, engaging, and well-structured reports that resonate with readers. His work reflects deep newsroom experience and a commitment to accurate, impactful journalism.
