38 Years After: UN Elevates Nigerian Professor Adaeze Menakaya to Deputy Permanent Observer

By Praise Chinecherem

Thirty-eight years after a Nigerian last occupied the position, Professor Adaeze JUNi Menakaya has been appointed Deputy Permanent Observer (Projects and Coordination) to the Permanent Observer Mission of the Pan-African Intergovernmental Agency for Water and Sanitation for Africa to the United Nations.

The appointment places Menakaya in a strategic role within the mission, where she is expected to provide policy advice and support international cooperation, stakeholder engagement and institutional partnerships in advancing water and sanitation objectives across Africa.

She will also assist the mission in strengthening relationships with governments, intergovernmental organisations, diplomatic missions, development agencies, private-sector organisations and other key stakeholders.

In a congratulatory letter signed by His Excellency Dr. Nabhit Kapur, Permanent Observer of the Agency’s Observer Mission to the United Nations, Menakaya was commended for attaining what was described as a significant milestone, coming 38 years after a Nigerian last held the position.

Menakaya is internationally recognised for her advocacy for peace, social justice and women’s empowerment. She was a recipient of the 2025 Global Champion of Gender for World Peace Merit Award, and has been actively involved in campaigns promoting women’s rights and gender equality.

Her United Nations-related engagements have included work on diverse projects and coordination of the Friends of the Mission of Grenada. She is also a recipient of the 2024 Relevant Achievers Impacting Award (Leadership Category).

Beyond her international engagements, Menakaya has worked with grassroots organisations, using platforms such as International Women’s Day to promote campaigns focused on food security, women’s economic empowerment and agricultural self-sufficiency.

Speaking on her vision, Menakaya said she dreams of “a world where women are empowered, children receive education, and communities strive to make life better for their people.”

Her new assignment is expected to further strengthen Nigeria’s visibility and contribution to international efforts addressing water, sanitation, development and social empowerment across Africa.