On 2 February 1956, Geoffrey Jideofor Kwusike Onyeama was born in Enugu, Nigeria. He grew up in a family renowned for public service and legal excellence. His father, Charles Onyeama, served as a respected jurist, while his grandfather held traditional leadership positions in Igboland.
Education
Onyeama earned a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from Columbia University, New York, in 1977. He studied law at St John’s College, Cambridge, completing his BA in 1980 and MA in 1984. In 1982, he obtained a Master of Laws (LL.M) from the London School of Economics.
Legal Qualifications
He was called to the English Bar at Gray’s Inn in 1981 and admitted as a Barrister-at-Law of the Supreme Court of Nigeria in 1983. These achievements prepared him for a career in international law and diplomacy.
Career at WIPO
Onyeama joined the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) in 1985 as an assistant programme officer. Over nearly three decades, he rose to Deputy Director-General, managing programmes to strengthen intellectual property systems across Africa, Asia, Europe, and Latin America.
Minister for Foreign Affairs
In November 2015, Onyeama became Nigeria’s Minister for Foreign Affairs, serving until May 2023. He strengthened democracy in West Africa, guided Nigeria through international negotiations, and enhanced global partnerships.
Key Achievements
He helped prevent African withdrawal from the International Criminal Court and promoted human rights and justice globally. He led major evacuation operations for Nigerians abroad during crises and the COVID‑19 pandemic. He also advanced Nigeria’s economic diplomacy through trade agreements and bilateral relations.
Legacy and Personal Life
Onyeama introduced initiatives to modernise the ministry and improve engagement with Nigerians abroad. Married with three children, he continues to be a symbol of dedication to diplomacy, public service, and nation-building.
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