23rd September, 2026 | News

World Leaders, Business Icons Honour Olusegun Obasanjo at New York Tribute Event

Former Nigerian President Olusegun Obasanjo has been honoured at a high-profile tribute event in New York, with political, diplomatic and business leaders gathering to celebrate his legacy.

Director-General of the World Trade Organisation (WTO), Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, joined several prominent figures at the event, which brought together leaders from Africa and beyond.

Okonjo-Iweala Leads Tributes to Obasanjo

Okonjo-Iweala, who has served as WTO Director-General since March 2021, said she was honoured to deliver the opening tribute to Obasanjo.

In a statement shared on her official X account, she described the gathering as a “glorious night of tributes to an outstanding leader.”

She said the event was organised by Chinelo Anohu, Chief Executive Officer of Mutandis Africa.

According to Okonjo-Iweala, several prominent personalities also delivered tributes in recognition of Obasanjo’s contributions and legacy.

Prominent Figures Attend New York Event

Among those reported to have attended the tribute were former Liberian President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, Barbados Prime Minister Mia Amor Mottley, and Nigerian business leader Aliko Dangote.

Other notable attendees included United Nations Deputy Secretary-General Amina Mohammed, Emir of Kano Sanusi Lamido Sanusi, Afreximbank President Dr George Elombi, and Heirs Holdings Chairman Tony Elumelu.

The gathering also included Makhtar Diop, Managing Director of the World Bank Group and Vice President of the International Finance Corporation, and Austin Avuru, founder of Seplat Energy.

Obasanjo’s Legacy Celebrated

The New York gathering focused on celebrating Obasanjo’s public service and his longstanding influence in Nigerian, African and international affairs.

Okonjo-Iweala congratulated Chinelo Anohu for organising what she described as a well-attended event.

The tribute brought together former heads of state, government officials, international institution leaders and business figures to recognise the former Nigerian president’s legacy.