Nigeria's Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala dances with masquerade at WTO open day

World Trade Organization Director-General Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala has shown her other skill after dancing with Adamma masquerade during the organisation’s annual Open Day in Geneva, Switzerland.

The event featured a colourful display of Nigerian culture, with the Adamma masquerade entertaining delegates, ambassadors and guests through traditional dance accompanied by the sound of drums, the Ogene metal gong and the Ichaka rattle.

During the performance, the masquerade’s handlers invited Okonjo-Iweala to join the dance. She accepted the invitation and stepped into the performance area, dancing alongside the masquerade as the audience applauded and cheered.

The Director-General of the World Trade Organization, Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, shows off her energetic dancing moves today at WTO Open Day in Geneva. pic.twitter.com/dQMAezyGZx

— Olomo TIMES (@Olomotimes) July 6, 2026

The Adamma masquerade, a well-known cultural symbol from southeastern Nigeria, appeared in its traditional woven raffia attire and carved maiden mask while performing coordinated dance routines to traditional Igbo music. 

Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala dances with masquerade at WTO open day

In Igbo culture, an invitation from a masquerade for a respected individual to join a performance is regarded as a gesture of honour and respect.

At the end of the performance, the masquerade bowed before Okonjo-Iweala, who smiled and waved to the crowd before returning to her seat.

The cultural display took place on Sunday during the World Trade Organization’s annual Open Day at its headquarters, the Centre William Rappard, in Geneva.