By Longtong Ibrahim
Kaduna (Nigeria) – As part of his lineup of activities in Nigeria, the United Nations (UN) Secretary General, Ban Ki-moon has paid a tribute and laid a wreath at the bomb site of the UN building attacked by Boko Haram terrorists in 2011, in Abuja.
The UN Secretary General, who is currently in Nigeria on a two-day working visit, urged the UN workers to remain dedicated to their job for the advancement of humanity; adding that, they should not to be discouraged by the bombing.
He condemned terrorism act and emphasizing that terrorism must be brought to an end not only in Nigeria but the world over so that peace could reign again among the people.
It could be recalled that on Friday, 26th August, 2011, more than 20 people died while more than 50 people were injured when a car bomb exploded in the premises of the United Nation’s building in the Nigerian capital city of Abuja- where the Boko Haram group later claimed responsibility for the attack.
The UN Secretary-General, also appealed for the unconditional release of the over 200 Chibok girls abducted in their school in Chibok, Borno State last year and other abductees of the Boko Haram sect.
He stated this to newsmen shortly after he had a closed door meeting with President Muhammadu Buhari at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, while commending the president for embarking on an agenda for change bringing security and anti-corruption war at the forefront. “When you change Nigeria, you have also changed Africa,” he added.
In a remark, President Buhari pointed out that, they discussed the difficult times Nigeria had found itself and the step to be taken so that the UN could assist the country; while thanking the UN Secretary for the invitation to attend the UN General Assembly holding in New York on 27th and 28th September.
Part of the activities for Monday is a dialogue and lunch with Nigerian Business actors under the theme “The role of Nigerian Business and Economy in Implementing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and addressing Climate Change”.
In the second day of the official visit, the UN Secretary General will visit health units and immunization centre in Garki area of Abuja to further assess Nigeria’s efforts towards the actualization of the Millennium Development Goals.
