Moment Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala Identifies With Her Igbo Culture, Dances With Traditional Masquerades At World Trade Organization Ceremony (video)
The World Trade Organisation’s Director-General Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala put Nigerian culture and traditional on the spotlight on a global stage during the WTO annual Open Day ceremony in Geneva on Sunday, July 5, 2026.
A viral video captured a crowd, including international delegates and ambassadors, watching as the Ogene, a metal gong paired with the rattle of the Ichaka, was played. Okonjo-Iweala shares video of masquerade performing at WTO Open Day ceremony.
Credit: noiweala Source: Instagram
The highlight was the moment the Adamma masquerade strode into the centre of the square, showing some intense dance moves as the tempo increased. Iweala, who initially stood by watching, was later invited into the circle.
Without hesitating, the WTO DG caught the rhythm as she matched the masquerade’s energy, showing her dance moves amid cheers from onlookers.
Another clip also showed the moment the masquerade bowed low, spinning one last time in a flurry of colour before Iweala waved gracefully back, her face lit with a broad smile.
Sharing the video from the ceremony on her social media page, Iweala wrote in a caption, “Enjoy some lovely videos of Nigerian masquerades and dancers at the @wto Open Day.”
