The Society for Hellenism and Philhellenism (SHP) has awarded the prestigious Lord Byron Prize to Director General of the World Trade Organisation (WTO), Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala.
The second Lord Byron Prize 2023 was awarded to the former Nigerian Coordinating Minister for the Economy and Minister of Finance following her significant contributions to global society.
The Society for Hellenism and Philhellenism, in collaboration with the Academy of Athens, since 2021, annually awards the Lord Byron International Philhellenism Award to important personalities from the political, cultural, academic or business world.
After the award ceremony, which took place at the Academy of Athens, a dinner and a fireside chat were organised in honour of Okonjo-Iweala at the Athenian Club.
Mr Christos Stylianides, Minister of Maritime Affairs and Insular Policy, representing Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis, stated that Okonjo-Iweala’s life and work symbolise the best of humanism, ethics and principles which they value.
Stylianides added that the WTO boss is a source of hope and inspiration for women and men around the world.
“Tonight’s special ceremony reminds all of us that people like Dr Okonjo-Iweala are not only making history, but they help shape a better future for all of us,” Stylianides said.
Nigerian ambassador to Greece, Opunimi Akinkugbe, who was present at the ceremony, said it was an honour and a pleasure to welcome Okonjo-Iweala to Athens.
Ambassador Akinkugbe described Okonjo-Iweala as “a role model and a mentor not only for me personally, but also for countless women around the world.”
Esteemed guests at the ceremony included Konstantinos Fragkogiannis, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, Alexandra Mitsotaki, Lana and Harry David, Yannis Katsaounis, Francis Antetokounpo.
Officials from the Nigerian Embassy in Athens were also present.
