Nigerian professor and diplomat, Adaeze J. Menakaya, has been elevated to the position of Deputy Permanent Observer in charge of Projects and Coordination at the Permanent Observer Mission of the Pan-African Intergovernmental Agency for Water and Sanitation for Africa to the United Nations.
In her new role, Menakaya is expected to provide strategic guidance on policy development, international cooperation, stakeholder engagement and institutional partnerships.
She will also assist the mission in strengthening relationships with governments, intergovernmental organisations, diplomatic missions, development agencies, private-sector organisations and other stakeholders in pursuit of the United Nations’ objectives on water and sanitation across Africa.
The appointment was conveyed in a letter signed by Dr Nabhit Kapur, Permanent Observer of the mission, who congratulated Menakaya on her elevation.
According to the letter, the appointment represents a significant milestone, coming 38 years after a Nigerian last occupied a similar position.
Menakaya has received international recognition for her work in promoting peace, social justice and the empowerment of women.
She was a recipient of the 2025 Global Champion of Gender for World Peace Merit Award, an honour associated with the United Nations, and has been actively involved in advocacy for women’s rights.
Her engagements have included various United Nations projects and grassroots initiatives, as well as coordinating the Friends of Mission of Grenada. She is also a recipient of the 2024 Relevant Achievers Impacting Award in the leadership category.
Menakaya has used platforms such as International Women’s Day to promote campaigns addressing hunger and encourage women to embrace agricultural self-sufficiency.
Speaking on her vision, she said she hopes to see a world where women are empowered, children have access to quality education and communities work collectively to improve the lives of their people.
Her new assignment is expected to further strengthen Africa’s engagement with international partners on water, sanitation, development and related humanitarian
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