——Tributes pour in as Uzodimma , Ohakim, Attafuah—UNDP Representative celebrate a distinguished daughter of Africa
By Ochiagha Nnanna Okere
It was a memorable evening at the Transcorp Hilton Hotel, Abuja, on June 30, 2026, as Nigeria celebrated one of its most accomplished global development leaders, Ms. Ahunna Eziakonwa, following her appointment by United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres as United Nations Assistant Secretary-General and Director of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Africa.
The reception, jointly hosted by the Federal Ministry of Women Affairs, the Federal Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), brought together government officials, diplomats, development partners and admirers to honour a woman whose nearly three decades of distinguished service have helped shape Africa’s development agenda within the United Nations system.
For Nigeria and particularly Imo State, the appointment represents yet another milestone in the remarkable career of an accomplished daughter whose leadership has earned global recognition.
Among the most heartfelt tributes was that of the First Lady of Imo State, Barr. Chioma Uzodimma, who described Eziakonwa’s elevation as a source of immense pride for Imo State, Nigeria and the African continent.
Congratulating the newly appointed Ngor-Okpala born UN Special Adviser on Africa, Mrs. Uzodimma said the appointment was not merely a personal achievement but an inspiration for women and girls across Africa.
“This achievement is not only a proud moment for Imo State and Nigeria but also an inspiration to women and girls across Africa, demonstrating that excellence, dedication and purposeful leadership know no boundaries.”
The Imo First Lady praised Eziakonwa’s exceptional leadership, commitment to sustainable development and years of distinguished service advancing inclusive growth across Africa.
She further wished her wisdom, strength and success as she assumes greater responsibilities in championing sustainable development, building strategic partnerships and helping shape a more prosperous and inclusive future for Africa.
Mrs. Uzodimma’s tribute reflected the pride of Imo people in seeing one of their own attain one of the highest offices occupied by any Nigerian within the United Nations system.
Elsie G. Attafuah, Resident Representative of UNDP Nigeria, whose deeply personal “Ode to Ma’ Ahunna Eziakonwa” captured both the professional excellence and human qualities that have defined Eziakonwa’s leadership.
Attafuah described Eziakonwa as “the kind of person who creates possibilities through her path,” portraying her as a transformational leader whose influence has opened doors for countless Africans.
“There are people who do not just walk a path; they clear one. And long after they have moved on, others find their footing in the ground those feet prepared. People who create possibilities through their path. Ma’ Ahunna Eziakonwa is that kind of person,” she wrote.
Nigeria’s Ambassador to the Republic of Poland and former First Lady of Imo State, Amb. Chioma Priscilla Ohakim, mni, described the appointment as not only a recognition of Ahunna Eziakonwa’s exceptional career but also a reflection of the growing confidence of the international community in the capacity of African leaders to shape global development policy.
Ambassador Ohakim, herself a distinguished daughter of Imo State, noted that Eziakonwa’s elevation to the position of United Nations Assistant Secretary-General and Director of the UNDP Regional Bureau for Africa is a proof of decades of exemplary service, professional excellence, integrity and visionary leadership within the United Nations system.
According to her, Eziakonwa’s appointment serves as a source of inspiration for Nigerian women, young professionals and aspiring diplomats, demonstrating that competence, dedication and commitment to service can earn recognition at the highest levels of international governance.
She further observed that the appointment enhances Nigeria’s visibility within multilateral institutions and reinforces the country’s longstanding contributions to global peace, sustainable development and international cooperation.
Foreign affairs analysts say Eziakonwa’s appointment is likely to strengthen Nigeria’s diplomatic profile and deepen its engagement with international development partners by expanding opportunities for dialogue on sustainable development, climate resilience, gender equality, youth empowerment and economic transformation across Africa.
A graduate of the University of Benin and Columbia University’s School of International and Public Affairs, with executive education from Harvard Kennedy School, Eziakonwa has consistently exemplified excellence, visionary leadership and dedication to Africa’s development.
As she begins her new assignment as the United Nations Secretary-General’s Special Adviser on Africa, Nigerians, especially her home area of Ngor-Okpala in Imo State, celebrate not only the remarkable accomplishments of an outstanding daughter but also the promise of even greater contributions to Africa and the global community.
Her appointment stands as a powerful reminder that with integrity, competence and purposeful leadership, Nigerians can continue to shape global institutions and inspire generations to come.
Ochiagha Nnanna Okere is from Umuowa Ngor-Okpala, Coordinator/Convener Imo Diaspora Support for Governor Hope Uzodimma
