Nigeria’s President Muhammadu Buhari will, on Sunday, travel to New York to attend the United Nations general assembly (UNGA77).
In a statement issued on Saturday by Femi Adesina, presidential spokesman, Buhari will deliver a “national statement” on the second day of the general debates on September 21.
The 77th session of the UN general assembly, which opened on September 13, is themed ‘A Watershed Moment: Transformative Solutions to Interlocking Challenges’.
Among the key topics of discussion at UNGA are: Energy crisis, climate action, ending the COVID pandemic, and a special ‘Transforming Education’ summit.
“Aside his statement, the president will also participate in high level meetings and side events, including the Nigeria International Economic Partnership Forum (NIEPF), convened by Nigeria in partnership with the Business Council for International Understanding (BCIU); Strengthening Coordination through National Humanitarian Development Peace (NHDP) Framework: A practical approach to sustainable durable solutions to ensure no one is left behind, organised by the ministry of humanitarian affairs, disaster management and social development; and the EFCC-NEPAD programme on combating illicit financial flows,” the statement reads.
“President Buhari will also hold strategic bilateral meetings with World Leaders, renowned investors and heads of multinational organisations while in New York.
“On the entourage of the President are the First Lady, Aisha Buhari, some governors, ministers, and top government officials.”
In a related development, Vice-President Yemi Osinbajo has left Nigeria on Saturday for London, to represent Nigeria at the funeral of Queen Elizabeth II.
The Queen died on September 8 at the age of 96. She’s scheduled for the funeral service at Westminster Abbey on Monday.
Laolu Akande, senior special assistant on media to Osinbajo, said the vice-president is also expected to hold a bilateral meeting with James Cleverly, UK foreign secretary.
“Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, SAN, will be representing Nigeria at a number of events tomorrow and Monday, during the State funeral for the late Queen Elizabeth II of the United Kingdom,” the statement reads.
Osinbajo is expected back in Nigeria on Monday after the funeral, while Buhari is expected back in the country on September 26.