Nigeria Mourns Diplomatic Powerhouse Prof. Joy Ogwu as She Passes Away at 79

Asaba, Nigeria | October 14, 2025

Nigeria is in mourning following the passing of one of its most distinguished diplomats and scholars, Professor Joy Uche Angela Ogwu, who died at the age of 79. Family sources confirmed to NTA News in a phone call from Asaba, Delta State, that she passed away in the early hours of Monday at a hospital in New York, United States, with her daughter by her side.

Prof. Ogwu’s death marks the end of an era in Nigerian diplomacy — a chapter defined by groundbreaking achievements, principled leadership, and global statesmanship. Her life’s work elevated Nigeria’s standing on the world stage and broke barriers for women in international relations.

A Life of Firsts
Born on August 22, 1946, in Delta State, Prof. Ogwu rose to become one of the most influential voices in Africa’s foreign policy landscape. She made history in 2008 as Nigeria’s first female Permanent Representative to the United Nations, a position she held with distinction until 2017. During her tenure, she twice served as President of the UN Security Council in July 2010 and October 2011, where she helped shape global discussions on peace, security, and development.
Prior to her UN appointment, she served as Minister of Foreign Affairs between August 2006 and May 2007 under President Olusegun Obasanjo, becoming one of the few women to ever hold the high-profile cabinet role.

Scholar, Policy Leader, and Advocate
Prof. Ogwu’s influence extended beyond diplomacy into academia and policy research. She earned her BA and MA in Political Science from Rutgers University, USA, before obtaining a Ph.D. in Political Science from the University of Lagos in 1977. She later became Director-General of the Nigerian Institute of International Affairs (NIIA), where she solidified her reputation as a leading expert on international security, disarmament, and Nigeria’s foreign policy.
Her seminal book, Nigerian Foreign Policy: Alternative Futures (1986), remains a cornerstone in the study of Nigeria’s external relations, often cited for its forward-thinking analysis and strategic insight.

Throughout her career, Prof. Ogwu championed South-South cooperation, advocating for stronger diplomatic and economic ties between Africa and Latin America. Her leadership in global organizations also included serving as President of the Executive Board of UN Women and Chair of the Board of Trustees of the United Nations Institute for Disarmament Research (UNIDIR) — roles that positioned her as a global advocate for gender equality, human rights, and nuclear disarmament.

A Nation Reflects
News of her death has prompted an outpouring of tributes from across Nigeria’s political, academic, and diplomatic spheres. Former colleagues and protégés describe her as a woman of deep intellect, calm resolve, and unshakable principles — one who led not with noise, but with the clarity and conviction of her ideas.
“Her contributions to our national and international image are immeasurable,” said one former diplomat. “She was the embodiment of diplomacy at its finest — wise, composed, and deeply respected.”

Legacy and Loss
Prof. Joy Ogwu’s legacy lies not only in the high offices she held but in the doors she opened and the ideals she defended. Her life’s journey — from the classrooms of Lagos and New Jersey to the halls of the United Nations — tells a story of excellence rooted in service.

As Nigeria prepares to honor her memory, plans are expected for a state-acknowledged memorial service that reflects the weight of her contributions to the nation and the world.
She is survived by her daughter and a legacy that will continue to inspire generations of scholars, diplomats, and leaders.
Rest in power, Prof. Joy Uche Ogwu — a beacon of Nigerian diplomacy.