Okonjo-Iweala gets national honours in Liberia, Cote d’Ivoire

Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala has been honoured with national awards in Liberia and Cote d’Ivoire, for her work in development across the continent of Africa.

Okonjo-Iweala, who was awarded during her visit to both countries in the last week, was full of gratitude to the leaders and people of both African countries.

“I’m grateful to His Excellency, President Alassane Ouattara, and Her Excellency, President Johnson-Sirleaf, for the National Honors of Côte d’Ivoire and Liberia conferred on me for works on development supporting the two countries and Africa,” she wrote on Facebook.

Okonjo-Iweala travelled to both countries under the auspices of Global Alliance for Vaccines and Immunization (GAVI), to follow upon the impact of immunisation in both countries.

“An amazing week spent in Côte d’Ivoire and Liberia. In CiV, looking at impact on children of government’s work on immunization supported by @Gavi,” she tweeted.

Okonjo-Iweala, who is also the chair of GAVI, has been travelling around the world, making a case to finance ministers and governments on the need to immunise and keep children healthy for a better world.

“I am excited to be embarking on this fresh journey. The two appointments will enable me to continue doing what I know best – rendering public service and using my financial and economist skills,” she said in 2015 when she took the GAVI job.

“I thank the international community for the recognition and continued support. I am also grateful for the prayers and support of many Nigerians.”

Okonjo-Iweala has more than a dozen honourary doctorate degrees from various universities all over the world, including Yale University and Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife.