President Muhammadu Buhari has congratulated Antonio Guterres on his appointment by the United Nations General Assembly as the next UN Secretary General. beginning from January 1, 2017.
Buhari expressed confidence that Guterres, whose appointment is with effect from January 1 2017, brings a wealth of experience as a former Prime Minister of Portugal, head of UN Refugee Agency for several years, diplomat and that his role as a politician of repute has eminently prepared and qualified him for the new position.
President Buhari stated that, Nigeria, as committed UN member, looks forward to working and supporting Guterres to address the world’s most pressing challenges – from defeating terrorism and violent extremism for a peaceful and prosperous future to reducing poverty and tackling the devastating effects of climate change; as well as confronting the root causes of migrants and refugee crisis.
He affirmed that for the UN to remain relevant in the 21st century, the new UN Secretary-General must redouble efforts and spearhead essential reforms of the world body to enable it effectively address current global challenges.
President Buhari also congratulated the outgoing UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-Moon on his successful tenure and dedicated service to humanity.
He said the world indeed owes a debt of gratitude to the outgoing Secretary-General for spearheading the Sustainable Development Goals and achieving the historic Paris Agreement on Climate Change, among other laudable achievements.
Buhari wished the outgoing Secretary-General well in his future endeavours, while extending his goodwill to the new Secretary-General.
