PRESIDENT Joe Biden has appointed yet another Nigerian-American of Igbo origin, Ms. Akunna Cook, as deputy assistant secretary of state for African affairs.

With less than two months as President, several Nigerian-Americans have been similarly appointed by Joe Biden into such positions as general counsel of the House select subcommittee on the coronavirus crisis, member of his COVID-19 response team, deputy secretary of the Treasury department and other top positions.

Akunna, a seasoned diplomat, is the daughter of Nigerian immigrants, Anthony and Clara Enweruzor of Ntigha, Isiala Ngwa local government area, Abia State..

According to a post on the social media handle of President and CEO of Whitaker Group, Rosa Whitaker, the new appointee was sworn into office on Tuesday.

“I applaud Akunna Cook today as deputy assistant Secretary of State for African affairs, a daughter of African immigrants.

“Akunna is a seasoned diplomat and Africanist with an impressive record of achievement in economic empowerment and equity for people of color. Now more than ever, America needs experience hands leading US policy towards Africa, Akunna is among the best!”

Akunna Cook currently serves as the founding executive director of the ‘Black Economic Alliance’ a non-partisan organization focused on driving economic progress in the black community through policy development, advocacy, and supporting candidates for office who are aligned with its mission.

An accomplished diplomat, policy advocate, and attorney, she is also the founder and principal consultant at ‘Drake Road Strategies’ where she advises individuals and organizations on public policy strategy and advocacy.

The Abia State indigene received her law degree from the Yale Law School and a Master’s degree in public policy from the Harvard Kennedy School of Government.

Akunna is also a summa cum laude and Phi Beta Kappa graduate of Howard University where she earned a bachelor’s degree in economics and business administration.

Prior to his inauguration as U.S. President till date, Joe Biden has appointed a number of Nigerians into key positions within his government: Enoh Titilayo Ebong as the Acting Director of the U.S. Trade and Development Agency (USTDA), Funmi Olorunnipa Badejo as General Counsel of the House select subcommittee on the coronavirus crisis, Osaremen Okolo as member of his COVID-19 response team, and Adewale Adeyemo as Deputy Secretary of the Treasury department.

Source: Naija Times