By Ayo Yusuf
President Bola Tinubu has arrived New York, United States, as he joins other world leaders attending the 78th United Nations General Assembly (UNGA).
The President, who arrived the John F Kennedy Airport some minutes before 7 pm local time, was received by the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Tuggar; the Permanent Representative of Nigeria to the United Nations, Prof. Tijjani Muhammad-Bande and other government officials.
President Tinubu was accompanied by six state governors, seven ministers and some senior aides.
The theme of this year’s UNGA is: “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”.
President Tinubu is scheduled to deliver his inaugural National Statement On September 19, the first day of the High-Level General Debate of the 78th UNGA Session.
Before engaging in the General Debate, the President will join other world leaders to participate in the High-Level Political Forum on Sustainable Development (UN 2023 Summit on SDGs).
Additionally, President Tinubu is slated to participate in the High-Level Dialogue on Financing for Development; High-Level Meeting on Pandemic Prevention, Preparedness, and Response; UN Secretary General’s Climate Ambition Summit; High-Level Meeting on Universal Health Coverage; High-Level Panel on Reform of the Global Financial Architecture, amongst others.
This would be President Tinubu’s first outing at the UNGA and last month he gave instructions that the trip would not be a jamboree as only government officials whose presence were vital to the meetings would be allowed to attend.
A statement yesterday by the Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Ajuri Ngelale, gave a detailed outline of President Tinubu’s plans in New York, including various sidelines businesses and bilateral meetings.
“President Tinubu will be accompanied by Governors Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom State; Mohammed Inuwa Yahaya of Gombe State; Hope Uzodimma of Imo State; Uba Sani of Kaduna State; AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq of Kwara State; Seyi Makinde of Oyo State and the Chief of Staff to the President, Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila.
“Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Maitama Tuggar; Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Mr. Wale Edun; Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Dr. Mohammed Pate; Minister of Defence, Abubakar Badaru; Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Mr. Dele Alake; Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Dr. Betta Edu; and Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Dr. Doris Uzoka-Anite.
“The National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu; Chairman of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM), Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa and other senior government officials will also be present”, the statement said.
In New York, President Tinubu is also scheduled to hold several bilateral meetings with world leaders, including the Presidents of the European Union Commission, Brazil, and South Africa, amongst others.
The president will also advance his economic development agenda for aggressive investment attraction in meetings with the global leadership of transnational firms, such as Microsoft, Meta Technologies, Exxon Mobil, General Electric, and others.
20 Nigerian Organisations Seek Audience with Tinubu
The Organisation for the Advancement of Nigerians (OAN) and partner organisations is among the many organizations seeking an audience with President Bola Tinubu on the sidelines of the ongoing General Assembly.
James Francis, an OAN board member, in a letter on behalf of 20 Nigerian organisations, said the group would like President Tinubu to have a strategic Town Hall Meeting with U.S.-based Nigerians.
A copy of the letter made available to NAN in New York stated that the strategic meeting was to ensure the most fruitful engagement between the Nigerians in the country and their President.
“We welcome you on your first official trip to the U.S. as the President of our nation, and hope you will take advantage of our invitation to engage with Nigerians in the U.S.
“ OAN and its partner organisations specifically welcome you to the U.S. on your maiden High-Level meetings of the 78th Session, as President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
“We also wish to assure you of the support of Nigerians in the U.S.,’’ Francis said.
The official said Nigeria is blessed with abundant eminently-qualified human resources spanning all sectors in the diaspora, and especially in the U.S.
“We are also pleased to note that this demography of Nigerians is
unapologetically patriotic and unwaveringly committed to the development of our homeland.
Nigerians are part of the brain thrust of many successful large corporations and industries in the U.S., UK, Canada, and other parts of the world.
Many of them are C-level executives in these establishments that are responsible for managing the critical aspects of the economy of their host countries,” he said.
According to him, the diaspora is beyond the billions of dollars in annual remittances to Nigeria.
“As you embark on the arduous task of returning Nigeria to her glorious days, we are assuring you of the support of many qualified Nigerians in the diaspora.
“Indeed, the Nigerian diasporas are available complimentary talents that can contribute immensely to your administration, especially in critical areas that require international collaborations and relationships, or where there are needs to build Nigerian standards to internationally-reputable standards,’’ he added.
Francis also said that while they were not unmindful of the dire situation the Tinubu administration inherited, they are aware that Nigeria remains the envy of the international community in spite of challenges.
“We, therefore, believe that you possess the uncanny ability to take Nigeria out of its current challenges and put it on a pedestal that tasks other African leaders to deliver the age-long yearnings for good governance to their citizens,
“As the President of Africa’s largest democracy and economy, we are very hopeful that your administration will bring the much-needed relief to Nigerians.
“Once again, our group is prepared to work with your administration to realise a more prosperous, secure, and resilient Nigeria.
“We are willing to support you, Mr. President, to make your courageous and unwavering dream and quest for a better Nigeria a reality,’’ he said.
