Pascal Arogorn Ibe
The Presidency on Friday quoted the President of the European Council , Mr Charles Michel, as reiterating Europe’ s support for the bid of Nigeria ’ s former Minister of Finance, Dr Ngozi Okonjo – Iweala , to become the next Director-General of the World Trade Organisation.
The Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity , Femi Adesina , disclosed this in a statement titled “ Okonjo -Iweala : President Buhari in video conference with President of European Council . ”
Adesina said Michel gave the re- assurance during a video conference President Muhammadu Buhari had with him .
According to the presidential spokesman, issues bordering on debt relief for Africa as well as the recharge of Lake Chad were also discussed .
The statement read , “ President Muhammadu Buhari Friday held a video conference with Mr Charles Michel, President of the European Council , during which the latter reiterated Europe’ s support for Nigeria ’ s Dr Ngozi Okonjo – Iweala as the next Director- General of the World Trade Organisation.
“ The President is leading Nigeria ’ s charge for Okonjo -Iweala , the country’ s former Minister of Finance , to emerge as the first Black and female WTO DG.
“ President Buhari thanked the European Council for its support for Nigeria ’ s candidate.
“ Also discussed during the conference were issues bordering on debt relief for Africa , EU – African relations and recharge of the Lake Chad , which has currently shrunk to less than one- third of its usual size, and throwing about 130 million people who depend on the Lake into dire straits.
“ Recharge of the Lake Chad is an issue the Nigerian President had vigorously canvassed at diverse global fora in recent time.
“ President Buhari expressed appreciation to Mr Michel for expected positive developments on the issues . ”
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