Buhari attends UN General Assembly in New York

President Muhammadu Buhari will tomorrow join other world leaders at the 72nd Session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York, United States of America (U.S.A).

The President will then proceed to London from New York, after joining other world leaders at the UNGA. This trip is coming 28 days after his medical follow-up in London, United Kingdom (UK). ‎

The President, who will depart Nigeria for the trip tomorrow, returned from his medical sojourn on August 19, 2017. Although, the Presidency did not give reasons for the scheduled visit to London en route New York, a statement by Special Adviser on media and publicity, Femi Adesina yesterday disclosed that the governors of Zamfara, Ebonyi and Ondo States, and cabinet ministers would accompany President Buhari on the journey.

“President Buhari will transit through London on his way back to the country,” the statement said. The statement explained that while in New York, the President would participate in the United Nations (UN) General Debate during which he would deliver the country’s national statement.

The theme for this year’s debate is: Focusing on People: Striving for Peace and a Decent Life for All on a Sustainable Planet. President Buhari will join other world leaders at the welcoming reception to be hosted by the UN Secretary General, Antonio Guterres, and thereafter hold a bilateral meeting with the UN scribe.

He is also expected to hold a lunch meeting with President Donald Trump of the United States of America, along with other world leaders.

During the General Assembly, Nigeria will participate in high level meetings on Prevention of Sexual Exploitation and Abuse: Building Momentum for Change,’ the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting, organised by the African Union (AU) under the theme “Roadmap on the Demographic Dividend: from Commitment to Action,” among others.

At the events, President Buhari and members of his delegation would strive to project Nigeria as a strong moral force and responsible member of the international community.

Nigeria’s commitment to global peace, security and development would also be reaffirmed and where necessary, the need for increased international cooperation in the fight against corruption.

Other priorities for the Nigerian delegation at UNGA 72 include strengthening human rights institutions; the rule of law; support for Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) as a result of terrorism, the recent flooding and mitigating the effects of climate change.

“The Nigerian delegation will also canvass the support of UN member states for the Buhari administration’s efforts towards combating illicit financial flows to foster sustainable development‎,” the statement said.‎