Renowned diplomat, academic, and former Minister of Foreign Affairs, Professor Joy Ogwu, has died at the age of 79.

Ogwu, who served as Nigeria’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations from May 2008 to May 2017, was widely celebrated as one of the country’s most distinguished voices in foreign policy.

During her tenure at the UN, she twice presided over the UN Security Council — in July 2010 and October 2011 — where she advocated global peace, disarmament, and strengthened international cooperation.

Before her appointment to the UN, Ogwu was the Director-General of the Nigerian Institute of International Affairs (NIIA), where she made significant contributions to Nigeria’s foreign policy development and the study of international relations.

President Bola Tinubu, in a statement issued on Tuesday by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, described her passing as “a great loss to the nation.”

“Nigeria has lost a trailblazer who rose to the highest level of her vocation through excellence and hard work,” the president said.

Tinubu praised Ogwu’s illustrious diplomatic career, noting that she “projected Nigeria’s voice with clarity and purpose and worked tirelessly for global peace, disarmament, international security, and the advancement of women’s rights.”

He extended condolences to her family — including her five children, grandchildren, and siblings — as well as members of the diplomatic and academic communities who benefited from her mentorship and leadership.