A major human foible is the tendency to pursue symbolism at the expense of substance. It is not a particularly Nigerian flaw. But the desperation that has characterised our politics, especially amongst the opposition, often makes it seem so.

An example is the criticism of President Bola Tinubu’s inability to personally attend the recently-concluded 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA 80).

Meetings are memorable, not just for the faces present, but also for the things said. Those who take unnecessary umbrage should look for something else to do with their time.

The point should not be about the President’s presence or absence at the UNGA annual global event; it should be about the content,  the quality of the country’s national statement and the President’s message at that extraordinary gathering of world leaders.

Held under the theme, “Global Partnerships, Local Prosperity,” this year’s session of the United Nations provided a platform for Nigeria’s leaders to promote reforms, woo investors, and assert Africa’s place in global decision-making, international finance and trade.

Vice President Kashim Shettima led the Federal Government delegation to the talks. As he did last year at the behest of President Tinubu, the vice president was in his best elements as he delivered Nigeria’s national statement on Wednesday, September 24, on that global platform.

In that national statement, President Tinubu restated his advocacy over which he had been vocal and consistent: reform of the world body to include a permanent seat for Africa, particularly Nigeria, at the UN Security Council; nuclear disarmament; equitable access to global trade and finance; debt forgiveness; and climate justice, among others.

President Tinubu is passionate about these issues and never misses any opportunity to highlight them. The President has utilised every forum, including the 78th UNGA, which he attended a few months after his inauguration in 2023, and the Conference of the Parties (COP28) in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, in 2024, to advocate for these demands strongly. He restated them in the message delivered by Vice President Shettima in 2024 at the 79th session of UNGA and in his message to a meeting of the Non-Aligned Movement in 2024 in Kampala, Uganda, among others.

President Tinubu must underscore these issues repeatedly in a bid to promote global peace, stability, and economic growth. The continental imbalance in representation at the UN, the imbalance in international trade among the regions, the Israeli genocide in Gaza, wars and threats of war in some parts of the world, among other agonising global issues, deserve to be stated, restated and frontally tackled.

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Delivering Nigeria’s national statement, Vice President Shettima said: “We are here to strengthen the prospect for peace, development, and human rights. Madam President, I would like to make four points today to outline how we can achieve this. First, Nigeria must have a permanent seat at the UN Security Council. This should take place as part of a wider process of institutional reform. Second, we need urgent action to promote sovereign debt relief and access to trade and financing. Third, the countries that host minerals must benefit from those minerals. And fourth, the digital divide must close. As our Presidential Secretary-General has said, AI must stand for Africa Included.”

Expatiating on this, he said the United Nations would recover its relevance only when it reflects the world as it is, not as it was. “Nigeria’s journey tells this story with clarity. When the UN was founded, we were a colony of 20 million people, absent from the tables where decisions about our fate were taken. Today, we are a sovereign nation of 236 million people, projected to be the third most populous country in the world, with one of the youngest and most dynamic populations on Earth, a stabilising force in regional security, and a consistent partner in global peace-making.”

The Vice President followed up his presentation with a meeting with the UN Secretary-General, Antonio Guterres, where he further reiterated the demands.

Given the UN Secretary-General’s temperament and positive posture towards reforms, Nigeria’s demands must have struck a resonant chord. Elected Secretary-General in October 2016, succeeding Ban Ki-moon, Guterres reformed the UN and addressed multiple global refugee crises.

Indeed, from the intermittent applause that greeted the delivery of Nigeria’s national statement on the floor of the UN General Assembly and the overwhelmingly favourable response to the country’s presentations and positions on issues canvassed at the side events held on the margins of the conference, there was little doubt that Nigeria’s messages resonated well at UNGA 80.

On the sidelines of the 80th UN session, Vice President Shettima addressed a Global Champions Roundtable on Housing, led bilateral talks with investors on agriculture, solid minerals, and technology, and engaged with Nigerians living in the United States.

Two other important side events, among others, took place on the sidelines of UNGA 80 leaders’ talks. One was put together by the Minister of Trade and Investment, Dr Jumoke Oduwole, to showcase investment opportunities in Nigeria and demonstrate that the country is ready for business. The other, the 2nd Africa Minerals Strategy Group (AMSG) High-Level Roundtable on Critical Minerals Development in Africa, which Nigeria’s Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr Dele Alake, chaired, stood out this year.

The vice president attended both events and delivered important statements on behalf of President Tinubu.

At the first event, the consensus was that Nigeria has become one of the best places to invest, given its reform momentum and investment profile—namely, a large consumer market of over 200 million people, an over $280 billion economy, the largest in West Africa, and a 4.23% GDP growth rate that is still accelerating, among other things.

President Tinubu, in a message delivered by VP Shettima, canvassed a total re-drawing of the global financial architecture for Africa’s mineral resources, saying it was time for its nations to begin not only financing their mineral sector but also asserting their influence and power in the global supply chains of African products.

According to the President, this has become necessary if the sovereignty of African nations is to be protected. He recommended collective action by development allies and partners to bring Africa’s mineral economy to reality for the benefit of the continent and its people.

It was just as imperative for Alake, Solid Minerals’ minister and AMSG’s chair. He called for cohesion among African nations, saying that with a determined focus and a reinvigorated sense of partnership and transparency in the minerals sector, Africa will harness the benefits of a sustained, deepened, and well-harmonised mineral sector in all ramifications. “These resources are indispensable for global sustainable development and remain catalysts for Africa’s rapid industrialisation,” he said.

Indeed, from the intermittent applause that greeted the delivery of Nigeria’s national statement on the floor of the UN General Assembly and the overwhelmingly favourable response to the country’s presentations and positions on issues canvassed at the side events held on the margins of the conference, there was little doubt that Nigeria’s messages resonated well at UNGA 80. That is indeed what matters, not whether President Tinubu physically attended.

*Rahman is Senior Special Assistant to President Tinubu on Media and Special Duties.

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Today, Mr Kashim Shettima, Vice President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, will be addressing the United Nations General Assembly. It is a speech we eagerly anticipate, not just because the VP has a way with words and is well regarded as a Bibliophile, the speech comes on the back of his impressive presentation last year. Beyond that is the momentousness of the occasion, being the 80th Anniversary of the United Nations, and different developments within Nigeria and the world at large in the last year that have to be addressed.

Speaking on behalf of President Bola Tinubu at the 79th United Nations General Assembly in September 2024, Nigeria’s Vice President took a cue from Nigeria’s 25-year unbroken democratic run in renewing her commitment to democratic principles, accountability, and the rule of law, while expressing concern about the unconstitutional changes of government in the Sahel and other regions, while urging for the restoration of order and the reaffirmation of democratic norms around the world.

He emphasised the importance of peace and security in the quest for sustainable development, especially as violent extremism has continued to threaten lives and the stability of communities across Africa and the world. He reaffirmed “Nigeria’s unwavering support for the Palestinian people in their struggle for self-determination and the establishment of a sovereign state alongside Israel, based on a just and lasting two-state solution.” He underscored Nigeria’s commitment to UN peacekeeping and the establishment of the African Standby Force as a critical instrument for regional security and conflict resolution with international support. But over and above all, Vice President Shettima restated Nigeria’s commitment to the transformation of the United Nations Security Council and the need for permanent representation for the African continent on the Council.

Kashim Shettima takes to the rostrum at the General Assembly Hall today, 13 days short of 65 years since Nigeria’s first Prime Minister, Sir Abubakar Tafawa Balewa addressed the UN General Assembly to a warm reception. Of great significance is that it was only six days after the independence of Nigeria, and 15 years after the representatives of 50 countries gathered in San Francisco to sign the charter that gave birth to the United Nations.

We hope that by the end of UNGA, the Federal Government will make the long-delayed announcement of Ambassadors, so that they can build on the gains accruing to Nigeria from her increasing relevance and dynamic engagement world as has been witnessed in the last one year.

In the 1960 speech, the Prime Minister laid the foundation for Nigeria’s foreign policy, declaring the policy of non-alignment, refusing to join either of the ideological or military blocs at the time, committing to the liberation of all of Africa from the grip of the colonialists, declaring support for African liberation movements, while pledging to uphold the principles of the UN Charter. It is instructive that Nigeria has remained true to these principles over these years, with the current governing doctrine of strategic autonomy giving it wider and more dynamic wings for actualisation.

In different ways, the stories of the United Nations and Nigeria are interrelated. Over the years, Nigeria has established itself as a major actor in the United Nations system, with significant contributions to global peace, security, and development. Nigeria is one of the largest contributors to UN peacekeeping operations, providing troops, police, and personnel to missions in Liberia, Sierra Leone, Congo, Darfur, and even beyond, firmly establishing Nigeria’s role in bolstering regional stability, enhancing her diplomatic stature and influence around the world. Nigeria was, for many years, the chief advocate for African interests and the champion of decolonisation, supporting liberation struggles across Africa. Nigeria was the Chair of the United Nations Special Committee against Apartheid for over two decades, initially from 1972 to 1975, and later, becoming permanent chairman from 1976 until the dissolution of the committee in 1994 following the end of apartheid in South Africa.

Beyond Nigeria’s role in peacekeeping, the conflict resolution and mediation efforts Nigeria has facilitated, the country has leveraged the UN system for development assistance, especially to advance Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in health, education, poverty alleviation, and climate resilience programmes, while lending her voice to addressing global challenges such as terrorism, climate change, migration, and human rights protection, reinforcing her commitment to a regime of multilateral cooperation founded on respect for sovereignty and the prevailing international legal order.

Nigeria, by all accounts, is a model citizen of the world, with thoughts and aspirations that capture the multilateral spirit that galvanised the coming together of 50 countries in San Francisco from April 25 to June 26, 1945, leading to the signing of the Charter and the formal establishment of the United Nations on 24 October 1945. That spirit is crying out for re-enactment in a world today that is pulling apart on all sides, with some of the lead actors of 1945 undermining the essence of the United Nations, dismantling the bridge of multilateralism, pushing steadily away on the path of isolationism.

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Nigeria has demonstrated the capacity to embrace and seize the moment at critical points in the history of the UN, pricking the conscience of the world to nudge it on the path of good rather than evil; action rather than indifference. We hope that Vice President Kashim Shettima‘s speech will capture the exigencies of the moment, balancing geopolitical ambitions with sustainable development and continental solidarity, in advancing Nigeria’s stature as a key African and global player in a complex, multi-dimensional world.

The occasion of the 80th United Nations anniversary and Nigeria’s 65th anniversary of membership is significant and symbolic, offering not only a mirror to interrogate the past but a telescope with which to draw the future closer. This milestone is not only one for celebration and a call to action for Nigeria to embrace and reinforce her as a continental and global actor in a world that is evolving at a fast pace. We hope that by the end of UNGA, the Federal Government will make the long-delayed announcement of Ambassadors, so that they can build on the gains accruing to Nigeria from her increasing relevance and dynamic engagement world as has been witnessed in the last one year.

*Simbo Olorunfemi is a Specialist on Nigeria’s Foreign Policy and Managing Editor of Africa Enterprise, while Ade Adefeko is Director Corporate and Regulatory Affairs Olam Agri, ex-Officio NACCIMA, and Honorary Consul of Botswana in Lagos.

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Alongside poverty, climate change and gender inequality are equally pressing issues that demand attention and action.

Alebiosu stressed that poverty, in all its forms, stems from lack of access and resources.

He highlighted that finance was the most critical factor in combating poverty in the 21st century.

“The easiest way to get out of poverty is access to finance,” he noted.

Some of the important discussion topics during the UN Global Compact Leaders’ Summit, according to Alebiosu, included innovative financing, sustainable financing, and the impact of artificial intelligence on humanity.

He stressed the critical need to develop human resources to tackle the widening economic gap between developed and developing nations.

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This emphasis on human resource development echoes the United Nations’ focus on sustainable development and equality, particularly in areas such as gender equality, climate action, and living wages.

As a financial expert in Nigeria and Africa, Alebiosu has identified financial inclusion as a key area for FirstBank to address in supporting poverty alleviation under the sustainable development goals.

FirstBank considers financial inclusion a central part of its business strategy, resulting in the extension of over N36 billion in loans to women in 2023 and the development of a gender market strategy to strengthen the Bank’s women portfolio.

Alebiosu highlighted FirstBank’s extensive Firstmonie agents’ network in Nigeria, which surpassed 232,000 in 2023, with over 55,000 of the agents being women who continue to offer financial services in their communities as a testament to the power of financing in advancing economic interests and promoting economic development.

Concluding, Alebiosu expressed his vision for the future and said “FirstBank will further be entrenched into the fabric of the society, earning a place in the hearts and minds of Nigerians as a Giant advocate for economic development in Nigeria and Africa as a whole.”

The UN Global Compact Leaders’ Summit is an annual day-long conference that empowers private sector leaders to drive sustainable development and advance the 2030 Agenda.

The event provides a unique platform for business leaders, UN officials, government leaders, SDG stakeholders, and civil society professionals to converge and explore innovative solutions with actionable insights. This year’s edition held in New York, on Tuesday September 24, 2024.

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Tinubu made the call while addressing world leaders during the General Debate of the ongoing 79th Session of the United Nations General Assembly, UNGA, at the UN headquarters in New York, United States.

The spokesperson of Vice-President Kashim Shettima, Mr Stanley Nkwocha, made this known in a statement he issued on Wednesday.

Tinubu was represented at the global forum by Vice-President Kashim Shettima.

Tinubu also emphasised the need for reforms in the international financial architecture and a transparent multilateral trading system.

The president expressed the hope that the adoption of the ‘Pact for the Future’ could change the narrative, reposition economies and translate into concrete measures.

According to him, the measures would provide solutions to the challenges faced by developing and least developed countries.

“It is for this and other reasons that we reiterate the call by countries, especially of the global South, for reform of the international financial architecture and promotion of a rules-based, non-discriminatory, open, fair, inclusive, equitable and transparent multilateral trading system,” he noted.

Tinubu, who emphasised the dangers of digressing from multilateralism, drew the UN’s attention to the global debt burden undermining the ability of countries and governments to meet the needs of their citizens.

He also said that trade barriers and protectionist policies destroying the hopes for nations, and the uncontrollable competition discouraging motivation and hampering global investments.

“Similarly, we must ensure that any reform of the international financial system includes comprehensive debt relief measures.

“This will ensure a sustainable financing for development. Countries of the global South cannot make meaningful economic progress without special concessions and a review of their current debt burden.”

The president, therefore, called for the recovery of the proceeds of corruption and illicit financial flows.

He maintained that the return of such funds to countries of origin “is a fundamental principle of the United Nations Convention against Corruption.”

“Therefore, the international community must promote practical measures to strengthen international cooperation to recover and return stolen assets and to eradicate safe havens that facilitate illicit flows of funds from developing countries to the developed economies,” he added

Tinubu called on world leaders to recommit themselves to multilateralism by deepening relations among member states of the UN in line with the principles of inclusivity, equality and cooperation.

That, he said, was the surest guarantee of global action against existential challenges faced by the international community.

The president decried the steep descent to singularity and nationalism which undermine the quest for peaceful and collective resolution of global challenges.

He said the challenges are terrorism, climate change, poverty, food crises, hyper-inflation, nuclear proliferation and grinding debt burden, among others.

Tinubu also reminded the world leaders that the UN stood for multilateralism which represented inclusiveness, anchored on the tripod of peace, sustainable development and human rights.

He expressed worry about the main objectives of the UN and how it could sustain the global body’s relevance and resilience.

He noted that the pillars of the organisation were at risk of being broken against the principles of inclusivity, equality and cooperation which it stands for.

“Today, these pillars of our organisation are threatened. They risk being broken by the relentless pursuit of individual national priorities rather than the collective needs of the nations that are assembled here today.

“While commitment to multilateralism offers us the surest guarantee of global action to address the existential challenges we face.

“Singularity and nationalism are undermining the aspirations towards the peaceful and collective resolution of such challenges.

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“From last year’s summit, and indeed from previous years, we have carried over the numerous challenges of terrorism, armed conflict, inequality, poverty, racial discrimination and human rights abuses.

“Other challenges are food crises, hunger, irregular migration, piracy, global pandemics, hyper-inflation, nuclear proliferation, grinding debt burden, climate change, and a host of other vexations.

“The continued manifestation of these challenges testifies to our failings rather than to any lofty achievements on our part.

“Billions of dollars are being committed to the prosecution of wars and the fanning of the embers of conflict.”

The president reaffirmed Nigeria’s steadfast commitment to the deepening of multilateralism as it did 65 years ago when it joined the UN as the 99th Member-State.

“We remain committed to that “desire to remain friendly with all nations and participate actively in the works of the UN, as expressed by our founding Prime Minister, Sir Abubakar Tafawa Balewa.”

Tinubu also lamented the return of unconstitutional changes of government and forceful military coups in some African countries.

He said that the coups attest to how fragile democracy could become when it was not supported by economic development and sustained peace and security.

That, he said, should be of utmost concern in deliberations at the high-level segments of the 79th Session of the UN General Assembly.

“Forceful changes of government have led to the impatience in cities and villages at the sometimes slow and grinding turn of the wheel of democracy.

“Our people need employment. They need decent livelihoods. They desire good and affordable education and healthcare for their children and families.

“They need to live in healthy, safe and secure environments. They need hope and they need opportunity,” he added.

On insecurity, Tinubu noted that the menace was plunging citizens into untold hardship and misery that, in turn, affected the people’s confidence in democracy.

He emphasised that bringing back confidence in democratic rule and constitutional order was the duty of the international community.

“We cannot build durable societies with the threat of terrorism, banditry and insurgency growing in our countries and regions.

“Indeed, violent extremism remains an existential threat to both national and international peace, security and development.

“We are making concerted efforts to contain and roll back this threat,” he said.

Tinubu, however, assured that the “High-Level African Counter-Terrorism Meeting held 2024 and its outcome – “The Abuja Declaration” – promises to provide solutions to the challenges presented by terrorists and insurgents.”

He also warned against the dangers of climate change, describing it as a driver of insecurity that poses a veritable challenge to sustainable development.

The president recalled the devastating flood in Nigeria which submerged large areas of the country, “including one of our largest cities, Maiduguri, in the North-East.”

He implored the international community to stick to the implementation of the commitments made at the various COP meetings.

He pointed out that failure to do so would amount to postponing the inevitable, as no country is immune from the effects of climate change.

The president observed that conflict prevention was the main reason why the UN was established.

He, however, regretted that the task of preventing the conflicts had become arduous following their normalisation.

“Even the condemnation of violence and civilian casualties, and calls for a ceasefire, are somehow regarded as controversial,” Tinubu said.

He listed some of the root causes of conflicts to include poverty, hunger, ignorance, inequality, exclusion and injustice.

Tinubu cited the conflict in Sudan and the war in Gaza and other Palestinian territories.

“What this tells us is that the international community has failed to live up to the spirit and aspirations of the UN to rid the world of inequality, violence and domination of one people by another.

“Justice is antithetical to revenge,” he stated.

He insisted on bold reforms in the UN Security Council with a view to giving Nigeria and other African countries permanent seats at the council.

The president stressed that it had since become imperative for the UN to strengthen its relevance and credibility in a rapidly changing world.

“Some permanent members of the United Nations Security Council have offered encouraging, if tentative indications of support on the issue of reform of the council.

“We welcome the change in tone and urge an acceleration in momentum to the process.

“The security council should be expanded, in the permanent and non-permanent member categories, to reflect the diversity and plurality of the world.

“We fully support the efforts of Secretary-General Guterres in this regard. Africa must be accorded the respect that it deserves in the security council.

“Our Continent deserves a place in the permanent members category of the security council, with the same rights and responsibilities as other permanent members.”

Source: NAN

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The panelists made the call at an online dialogue on the theme: “The Media of the Future: Bridging the Gap Between the West and People of African Descent.”

The dialogue was convened in New York, on the sidelines of the United Nations Summit of the Future held during the 79th Session of the UN General Assembly (UNGA 79) High-level Week.

UNGA 79 opened on September 10 while the High-Level Week began on Friday, September 20, and will run through September 27.

At the dialogue which was organised by Mr. Simon Ibe, Publisher/Editor-in-Chief of Global Patriot Newspapers, the panelists discussed the challenges faced by Africans in gaining access to global media outlets.

Participants discussed the challenges faced by Africans in having their stories accurately represented internationally, and stressed the need for them to take control of their narratives and destinies.

The participants also advised Africans to prioritise skills for sustaining economies, attracting investment, and creating wealth, and to leverage technology and leadership in the African economy to change media coverage and ensure adequate representation of Africa’s positive aspects.

In his presentation, Dr Leo Stan Ekeh, the Chairman of Zinox Group, a tech company, stressed the importance of media representation for people of African descent and the need for Africa to build its mega media platforms.

Ekeh spoke of his contributions to the transition from analogue to digital media in West Africa and emphasised the importance of knowledge and content in the media industry.

He highlighted lack of awareness about the innovative and creative abilities of black people and stressed the need for Africa to become part of the global community through greater access to the global media.

He shared his experiences in building a tech group and digital retail business and how insufficient access to global media exposure was a major issue, and encouraged the African media practitioners to find financial resources to develop their own mega media platforms, driven by technology.

Also, Yul Anderson, President of the African American Future Society, TAAFS, spoke on the need for coordinated messaging by African media outlets to combat disinformation and promote positive stories about People of African Descent.

He spoke extensively about the Black Futures Summit, held on the sidelines of the United Nations Summit of the Future.

Laolu Akande, Editor-in-Chief of Empowered Newswire, conveyed a message from the former Vice President of Nigeria, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo (SAN), expressing support for the team’s efforts.

Osinbajo commended the convener of the dialogue, Mr. Ibe, for creating the platform for the discussion and expressed the hope that the outcome of the event would positively impact the Media of People of African Descent.

In his presentation as a panelist, Akande spoke of the significant gaps in understanding and representation of Africa globally, emphasising the need for a more nuanced and empathetic approach to understanding Africa and its people.

He identified four gaps hindering Nigeria’s development.

These include the gap between the elite and the masses; the gap between the elite and the media; the gap between the elite and the people; and the failure of political leadership to deliver national development.

Akande, spokesman for Osinbajo, stressed the importance of the African elite taking responsibility for the continent’s fate, human capital and infrastructure development.

He pointed to the need for media leaders to invest properly in journalism and for African billionaires to fund media outlets to shape the narratives about the continent.

Ms Nicky Spencer-Coker, the spokesperson for the Permanent Mission of Sierra Leone to the United Nations in New York, shared her background as a lawyer and activist.

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She discussed the significant role of the media in shaping society and narratives, emphasising the challenges faced by people of African descent in gaining access to global media outlets and having their stories accurately represented.

She highlighted the low percentage of black-owned media in the United States and acknowledged the rapid expansion of the media in Africa due to advances in telecommunications.

Spencer-Coker also pointed out the influence of American media on perceptions of Africa, often leading to negative and stereotypical portrayals.

She stressed the importance of African voices being heard and the need for more African representation in global media and leadership roles.

In her address, Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, Chairman/CEO, Nigerians in Diaspora Commission, NiDCOM, agreed on the importance of the conversation about media representation and moving the narrative forward.

Abike stressed the need to change the negative narrative about Africa and Nigeria in particular, suggesting that Africans should control their media image and invest more in the continent.

She highlighted the potential of the African diaspora, particularly in America, to contribute significantly to the continent’s development.

Abike also criticised the treatment of Africans by other Africans on the continent and encouraged the team to focus on promoting trade and collaboration among African countries.

She discussed the challenges faced by Nigerians in investing and owning homes in Africa, and mentioned the Diaspora Commission’s programs to facilitate home ownership and investment opportunities.

Dabiri-Erewa emphasised the need for collaboration between Nigerians at home and those living abroad to change the narrative about Africa through initiatives like the upcoming diaspora investment summit being organized by NiDCOM.

Toyin Umesiri, a global influencer and CEO of Nazaru, emphasised the importance of wealth creation and productivity in building economies, rather than focusing solely on poverty alleviation.

She discussed the challenges of promoting business and trade with Africa, particularly in the US, and stressed the need for individuals to take control of their own narratives.

Umesiri also highlighted her background in education and experience in training entrepreneurs and working with investors.

She argued against focusing on poverty alleviation and foreign aid, stressing the need to prioritise skills for sustaining economies, attracting investment, and creating wealth.

Also speaking, Prof. Akil Khalfani, the Director, Africana Institute, Essex County College, Newark, New Jersey, emphasised the need for a rethinking of journalism and media representation, advocating a Pan African approach that utilizes a historical foundation to tell the story of Africa and African people.

Khalfani criticised the Euro-centric approach to education and suggested that African history and culture should be presented with a broader perspective.

Khalfani also highlighted the significance of African organizations and the need for Africa-centered strategies and critiques of other perspectives.

He stressed the importance of Africanizing ways of doing business, global commerce, and thinking about identity.

Mr. Simon Kolawole, Founder and Editor-in-Chief of The Cable Newspapers, in his presentation, made a strong case for the empowerment of media of people of African descent for effective global outreach.

The highly respected columnist stressed that currently, Media of people of African descent were grappling with serious challenges that were constraining their operations and ability to compete at the global level.

Dr. Adeola Popoola, President, Nigerians in Diaspora Organisation, NIDO, New Jersey, proposed a stronger hold on the Guild of Editors to ensure all media houses contribute to a weekly digest of news headlines across the continent.

Ibe, however, thanked everyone for their participation and expressed his gratitude for the insightful discussions, mentioning that there would be a sequel in the future, especially as the issue was so crucial that it could not be sufficiently addressed at one sitting.

Source: NAN

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UNGA 79 opened on September 10, while the General Debate opens on Tuesday, September 24, through September, Thursday, September 28th.

The schedule for the speakers, released by the office of the spokesperson for the UN Secretary-General on Monday stated that 194 speakers would speak at the General Debate.

According to the office, the number is subject to change.

The breakdown, however, showed 76 Heads of State, four Vice Presidents, two Crown Princes, 42 Heads of Government, and nine Deputy Prime Ministers.

Others on the schedule are 54 ministers: one Vice Minister and four Chairs of Delegation and European Union as well as Holy See.

Of these, it noted that there are 19 women speakers, viz, five Heads of State; one Vice President; four Heads of Government and nine female ministers.

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Meanwhile, Nigerian Vice-President Kashim Shettima arrived in New York on Monday to represent Nigeria at the Debate, leading Nigeria’s delegation to the UN General Assembly.

The vice-president will deliver Nigeria’s national statement and participate in various high-level meetings.

He was received by the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Amb. Yusuf Tuggar, and Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Dr Bosun Tijani.

Others were the Director-General of the National Information Technology Development Agency, NITDA, Kashifu Inuwa; Nigerian diplomats, UN officials and many others.

Source: NAN

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Badaru said this, in his address at the Summit of the Future interactive dialogue 2, titled: “Enhancing Multilateralism for International Peace and Security,” on Sunday in New York.

The summit is part of the events at the 79th United Nations General Assembly.

Badaru, who also spoke with State House correspondents at the Nigerian House, New York, said Nigeria had a longstanding commitment to international peace and security.

“Since our first deployment in the Congo in 1960, Nigeria has contributed to 41 peacekeeping missions globally,” he stated, highlighting the deployment of over 200,000 Nigerian troops in UN operations.

Badaru called for reform of the UN Security Council to ensure Africa was represented with permanent seats, arguing that that would enhance global stability.

“Nigeria has remained unequivocal in its commitment to international peace building and security, since the first engagement of its troops in the Congo in 1960.

“To date, Nigeria has contributed to 41 peacekeeping operations worldwide, with over two hundred thousand Nigerian troops serving in UN peacekeeping missions,” he said.

According to the minister, under the regional and sub-regional cooperation, Nigeria has been involved in peacekeeping operations in field missions in several countries.

He said the countries included Cote d’Ivoire, Guinea-Bissau; The Gambia; Liberia; Mali; Sudan and Sierra Leone, among others.

He said Nigeria had contributed a lot in terms of finance, logistics, troops and civilian experts, making it one of the most significant African troops and police contributors to the United Nations missions.

“It is on this basis that Nigeria continues to call for the reform of the United Nations Security Council to give just representation to Africa on a permanent basis for inclusivity and deepening of global peace and security,” he said.

The defence minister stressed the importance of building professional African armies to combat terrorism and called for operationalisation of the African Standby Force.

He also highlighted the need for comprehensive strategies to tackle transnational crime and illegal arms trafficking, particularly in the Sahel region.

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“We recognise the need for Africa to build strong and professional armies, in order to, among other things, defeat terrorism.

“Nigeria, calls for the operationalisation of the African Standby Force (ASF), and provision of requisite support and resources to ensure the upgrade, take off and effectiveness of a centre of excellence in Africa on issues of counter terrorism,” said Badaru.

He called for strengthening regional and sub-regional cooperation to build the capacities of Member States and promoting cooperation and understanding.

He urged the global body to take decisive steps to defuse tensions, and seek peaceful settlement of disputes to resolve conflicts, especially in the Middle-East and Ukraine.

The minister reiterated Nigeria’s commitment to combating transnational organised crime.

He emphasised the urgent need for comprehensive strategies that include prevention, early detection, protection, and law enforcement to address the rising alliances between bandits and terrorists.

“We must scale up our efforts,” he stated, highlighting the alarming trend of kidnappings for ransom and acts of piracy.

Badaru called on the international community to intensify efforts to control the proliferation of small arms and light weapons in conflict zones, particularly in the Sahel region.

He warned that unrestricted access to illicit arms by non-state actors exacerbated insecurity and instability.

“We seize this opportunity to urge the international community to renew efforts to stem the tide of small arms and light weapons in conflict, especially within the Sahel region,” he said.

Badaru reaffirmed Nigeria’s dedication to supporting UN efforts in combating terrorism and promoting global peace.

Source: NAN

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Shettima will represent President Bola Tinubu at the occasion which will take place from September 24 to September 28.

The announcement of the vice president’s departure was made on Sunday in a press statement by the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Communication (Office of Vice President), Mr. Stanley Nwokcha.

Leading the Nigerian delegation to the event, the media aide said, was to enable the president focus on addressing pressing domestic issues, including the recent devastating flood disaster.

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Shettima will deliver Nigeria’s national statement, participate in key meetings on the sidelines of the event, and engage in bilateral meetings.

The theme of the event is “Leaving no one behind: Acting Together for the Advancement of Peace, Sustainable Development and Human Dignity for Present and Future Generations.”

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The president, he said, had thus directed Vice President Kashim Shettima to lead Nigeria’s delegation.

Tinubu, who returned to the country last Sunday after his trip to China and the United Kingdom, the adviser said, wanted to focus on domestic issues and address some of the country’s challenges, especially after the recent devastating flooding.

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He said at UNGA 79, Vice President Shettima would deliver Nigeria’s national statement to the General Assembly, attend important sideline events, and hold bilateral meetings.

The high-level General Debate, with the theme “Leaving no one behind: Acting together for the advancement of peace, sustainable development and human dignity for present and future generations,” will run from Tuesday, September 24, through Saturday, September 28, 2024.

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The directive was disclosed by the Chief of Staff to the President, Mr. Femi Gbajabiamila, on Saturday in Abuja during a one-day retreat organised by the State House management for heads of government agencies under its supervision.

Addressing participants at the retreat, the Chief of Staff said the decision to streamline Nigeria’s delegation to the 79th session of UNGA in September was part of the administration’s commitment to ensure prudent management of resources and reduce the cost of governance.

Highlighting the need for the State House and agencies under its supervision to ensure that its functions were guided by statutes, regulations, policy decisions, and presidential directives, Gbajabiamila hinted at upcoming policy announcements aimed at ensuring efficient service delivery in government operations.

”I just discussed with the president this afternoon. In the next few weeks, we are going to see a test of this policy during UNGA in New York.

”During recent protests, there were talks about reduction in cost of governance. Everyone is waiting to see if Nigeria, as in the past, will send the ‘largest delegation’ to UNGA.

”From experience, we know that some individuals use the opportunity of such international meetings to go about their personal businesses.

”I have received a directive from Mr. President that this time, we will be strict. If you have no business at the UN General Assembly, do not step foot in America, and this is a directive from Mr. President,” he said.

The Chief of Staff urged heads of agencies at the retreat to comply strictly, adding that the president was listening to the concerns of Nigerians and was committed to addressing them diligently.

On the retreat, Gbajabiamila noted that it would facilitate collaboration and coordination among government agencies, particularly those under the direct supervision of the State House.

”The idea is to ensure coherence as we jointly work together to achieve the objectives of President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

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”Coordination is not just a choice but a necessity for the government to succeed and for us to meet the expectations of the Nigerian people,” he said.

He said the retreat would be a continuous exercise, as governance is an evolving process that requires regular adjustments.

The Chief of Staff also urged the State House management and chief executives of agencies under its supervision to lead by example by ensuring compliance with statutes, laws, regulations, and various policies designed to enhance governance.

”We must demonstrate excellence in our compliance with the Public Procurement Act, Financial Reporting Council of Nigeria Act, the Finance Act, and various appropriation acts in operation.

”Compliance with the civil service rules and the scheme of service guidelines, especially regarding recruitment, promotion and presidential approvals is also non-negotiable,” Gbajabiamila said.

The theme of the one-day retreat is “Strengthening Institutional Mechanism for Effective Delivery.”

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