Brussels, 3 November 2021/OACPS: The Committee of Ambassadors of the Organisation of African, Caribbean and Pacific States (OACPS) welcomed the newest arrival, H.E. Mr. Obinna Chiedu Onowu, Ambassador of the Federal Republic of Nigeria at the 942nd Session on 29 October 2021.

Formerly Charge d’Affaires En-Titre of Nigeria to Burundi, Ambassador Onowu has also served as Minister at the Embassy of Nigeria to the Kingdom of the Netherlands, and as Legal Adviser and Alternate Political Coordinator to Nigeria’s delegation to the UN Security Council. Additionally, he has also served in Nigeria’s Missions to the UK; at the Permanent Mission to the UN in New York; in Geneva, Switzerland; and in Johannesburg, South Africa.

At Headquarters in Abuja, Nigeria, Ambassador Onowu’s assignment included Acting Director in the Office of the Permanent Secretary, as well as European Affairs and Legal and Treaties Division. He also served in the Multilateral Economic Cooperation Division (MECD)/International Economic Cooperation Directorate.

During his inaugural address, H.E. Onowu thanked the OACPS Ambassadors for the strong support to the candidature of Dr Ngozi Okonjo Iweala, who emerged as the Director-General of the World Trade Organization last year, a testament to the power of OACPS unity, before sharing keen insights on the way forward for the OACPS, “It would serve the best interests of the OACPS if concerted efforts were geared towards building mutually beneficial partnerships that are not necessarily limited to finances alone, with other organisations.” Ambassador Onowu continued, “We need to do more outreach in a bid to harness intra-regional cooperation and also, to build viable international partnerships.” Specifically, the new Nigerian Ambassador spoke of trade promotion, culture and education as key areas for the 79-Member organisation to enhance its visibility and credibility.

As he pledged his and Nigeria’s support for the OACPS, Ambassador Onowu, closed his brief, but impactful address by adding, “It would be worth the while if Member States of the OACPS continue to work together in unity of purpose, regarding issues of global concerns and those facing the organisation, as it seeks to re-invent itself. Every voice must count and on one should be left behind.”