Patrick Okpomu Congratulates Ghanaian-born Shirley Ayorkor Botchwey on her Appointment as Commonwealth Secretary General
By Wilson Macaulay, Abuja, Nigeria
In a message marked by African solidarity, global vision, and steadfast support for women in leadership, Nigerian statesman and diplomatic advocate Patrick Okpomu has warmly congratulated Hon. Shirley Ayorkor Botchwey on her landmark emergence as Secretary General of the Commonwealth of Nations.
Shirley Ayorkor Botchwey, a veteran diplomat and Ghana’s former Minister of Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration, secured the esteemed position at the 2024 Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting in Apia, Samoa, on October 26, 2024. She formally took office today, April 1, 2025, becoming the first Ghanaian and one of the few Africans to hold the apex diplomatic position in the Commonwealth’s 75-year history.
In his congratulatory statement, Patrick Okpomu—a vocal advocate for integrity, inclusive governance, and principled leadership—hailed Botchwey’s victory as a resounding testament to her commitment to democracy, visionary leadership, and pan-Commonwealth unity.
“Your victory is no doubt an affirmation of the implicit confidence and trust reposed in you by the Commonwealth Heads of Government as a strong unifier, democrat, and visionary leader dedicated to the common good of the Commonwealth of Nations,” Okpomu said.
Quoting Proverbs 4:8—“Exalt her, and she shall promote thee: she shall bring thee to honour, when thou dost embrace her”—he invoked blessings upon her journey, urging her to steer the Commonwealth into a new era of peace, equity, and social progress.
Championing Women in Global Diplomacy
Patrick Okpomu the Nigerian born diplomat used the occasion to advocate for greater representation of women in global governance and diplomacy. He emphasized that Botchwey’s emergence must serve as a catalyst for deeper reforms across Commonwealth structures and beyond.
“Any society that fails to harness the energy and creativity of its women is at a huge disadvantage in the modern world. Action without vision is only a passing time, vision without action is mere daydream, but vision with action changes the world,” he asserted.
Okpomu called for the Commonwealth Secretariat under Botchwey’s leadership to spotlight and scale up initiatives that empower women and girls. Highlighting that as of 2014, 143 countries had guaranteed gender equality in their constitutions, he urged others to follow suit and make bolder commitments to inclusion and justice.
Diplomacy, Leadership, and the Soft Power of Women
Recognizing the evolving nature of global diplomacy, Okpomu noted that women’s unique attributes—empathy, negotiation skills, and emotional intelligence—are crucial tools in peacebuilding and multilateral engagement.
“Over the years, diplomacy has been viewed as a feminine role because of attributes such as soft skills and emotional appeal. Leveraging on these skills is essential in fostering peace and change,” he said. “Women are negotiators of change in diplomacy.”
He referenced research showing that countries with greater female representation in parliaments and cabinets experience better policies, stronger institutions, and more responsive governance.
A Legacy of Leadership Rooted in Human Rights
Okpomu also reaffirmed the importance of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR), recalling how women were key contributors to its formation. He described the UDHR as a living testament to humanity’s shared aspirations for dignity and equality.
“The Declaration is a milestone document in the history of human rights, drafted by representatives from diverse cultural and legal backgrounds. Women played pivotal roles in shaping that vision,” he said.
ABLI and CHOGM Engagements: Nigeria’s Commitment to Global Leadership
Patrick Okpomu further revealed that he had the honour of participating as a Guest Speaker at the 11th African Biblical Leadership Initiative (ABLI) International Conference held in Abuja from October 21 to 24, 2024. The ABLI, founded during a special session of the African Union Prayer Breakfast in 2010, aims to groom a generation of principled leaders with integrity, capacity, and competence across Africa and the globe.
Describing ABLI as a platform of “greater religious and political significance than even the PDP or APC National Conventions,” Okpomu linked its goals with the Commonwealth’s renewed vision under Botchwey’s stewardship.
In a significant development, Okpomu also announced his nomination as an International Delegate to the 28th Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) and Civil Society Organizations Summit scheduled for 2026 in St. John’s, Antigua and Barbuda (North America). There, he is expected to engage with other thought leaders on critical global issues, building on the momentum created by Botchwey’s leadership.
A New Dawn for the Commonwealth
As the Commonwealth of Nations—a family of 56 countries spanning across continents—welcomes a new era under the capable leadership of Hon. Shirley Ayorkor Botchwey, Patrick Okpomu’s message resonates deeply with millions who believe in a future of shared values, inclusion, and peace.
“Nigeria and the Commonwealth of Nations have implicit confidence in your ability to build peace and harmony through social and democratic development and the promotion of social progress and standard of life across the Commonwealth,” he concluded.
Botchwey’s tenure is expected to usher in transformative initiatives aimed at deepening intra-Commonwealth cooperation, advocating for youth and gender inclusion, and reaffirming the Commonwealth’s role as a global beacon of democracy, dialogue, and development.
