By Tambaya Julius
President Bola Tinubu of Nigeria is preparing to take the global stage at the 78th session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) held at the UN headquarters in New York.
This marks a historic moment as it’s Tinubu’s inaugural appearance at the Assembly since his inauguration on May 29th.
President Tinubu’s compelling statement is scheduled for 6.00 p.m. (11.00 p.m. Nigerian time) during the UNGA’s proceedings on Tuesday. He’s slated as the fifth African leader to share his insights and vision for the world.
Tinubu will address the UNGA’s overarching theme for its 78th session: “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.”
His address promises to delve into critical topics such as sustainable development, climate change, global cooperation, and the urgent need to confront global inequalities and humanitarian crises.
President Tinubu arrived in New York on Sunday, where he received a warm welcome from prominent Nigerian officials.
Notably, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Amb.Yusuf Tuggar, the Permanent Representative of Nigeria to the UN, Amb.Tijjani Muhammad-Bande, and Maj.-Gen. Dangana Allu, Nigeria’s Defence Attache, Washington D.C., were present at the airport to greet him.
However, this reception differed from the traditional protocol, as only three officials were in attendance at the airport.
The rest of the Nigerian officials eagerly awaited him at the UN Plaza Millenium Hilton Hotel.
At the UN Plaza Millenium Hilton Hotel, President Tinubu was greeted by an illustrious group of officials.
Nigeria’s Ambassador to the United States, Amb. Uzoma Emenike; Consul General of Nigeria in New York, Amb. Lot Egopija; and Consul General in Atlanta, Amb. Amina Samaila, joined hands to extend their warm welcome.
Additionally, governors from various Nigerian states, including Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom, Gov. Seyi Makinde of Oyo, Gov. Uba Sani of Kaduna, Gov. Inuwa Yahaya of Gombe, Gov. AbdulRahman AbdulRasaq of Kwara, and former Zamfara State Governor, Ahmed Yerima, were present to honor the President.