By Muhammadu Sabiu
President Bola Tinubu of Nigeria is set to make his debut appearance on the international stage as he takes the podium at the 78th session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York.
The President is scheduled to deliver his address at 6 pm local time (11 pm Nigerian time) during the high-level general debate. The theme of his speech, “Rebuilding Trust and Reigniting Global Solidarity: Accelerating Action on the 2030 Agenda and its Sustainable Development Goals towards peace, prosperity, progress, and sustainability for all,” highlights the critical issues he intends to discuss.
President Tinubu’s speech will encompass various topics, including sustainable development, climate change, global cooperation, and the urgent need to address inequalities and global humanitarian crises.
President Tinubu’s arrival in New York two days prior to his address was marked by a modest reception, with only a handful of officials greeting him at the airport.
The welcoming party included the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Tuggar; the Permanent Representative of Nigeria to the UN, Tijjani Muhammad-Bande; and Dangana Allu, Nigeria’s Defence Attache, Washington, D.C. Notably, the majority of Nigerian officials were stationed at the UN Plaza Millennium Hilton Hotel to welcome the President upon his arrival.
There, he was received by Nigeria’s Ambassador to the United States, Amb. Uzoma Emenike; the Consul General of Nigeria in New York, Amb. Lot Egopija; and the Consul General in Atlanta, Amb. Amina Samaila. Several Nigerian state governors were also present to support President Tinubu on this international platform, including Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom, Gov. Seyi Makinde of Oyo, Gov. Uba Sani of Kaduna, Gov. Inuwa Yahaya of Gombe, and Gov. AbdulRahman AbdulRasaq of Kwara, among others.
As President Tinubu prepares to address world leaders at the UNGA, his speech is anticipated to shed light on Nigeria’s stance on critical global issues, emphasising the nation’s commitment to sustainable development and cooperation on the path to a more equitable and peaceful world.
