Prof. Joy Ogwu, a prominent Nigerian diplomat and former Minister of Foreign Affairs, has passed away after a battle with cancer.
Her death was announced on Tuesday, marking the loss of one of Nigeria’s leading figures in international relations and public service.
Ogwu, who served as Foreign Affairs Minister from 2006 to 2007 under President Olusegun Obasanjo, was celebrated for her contributions to Nigeria’s foreign policy and global diplomacy. A distinguished academic and professor of International Relations, she also held key positions, including Nigeria’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations (1999–2003) and Director-General of the Nigerian Institute of International Affairs.
Her career spanned decades, influencing Africa’s role in global affairs through advocacy for peace, security, and development. She was instrumental in UN peacekeeping initiatives and chaired the Africa Group at the UN during her tenure.
Ogwu’s passing has elicited grief, with tributes pouring in from political leaders, colleagues, and the diplomatic community. Former President Obasanjo described her as “a beacon of excellence and dedication,” while UN Secretary-General António Guterres praised her “unwavering commitment to multilateralism.”
Details on funeral arrangements are pending, but her family has requested privacy during this difficult time. Ogwu is survived by her children and grandchildren. Her legacy in advancing Nigeria’s diplomatic stature endures.
