The United Nations Secretary General, Mr Ban Ki-moon, on Monday laid wreath at the bomb site of the United Nation’s building in Abuja attacked by the Boko Haram terrorists in 2011.
After laying the wreath, Mr Ban Ki-moon urged the UN workers not to be discouraged by the bombing, but to remain committed to their job for the advancement of humanity.
At the UN building in Nigeria’s capital city, he condemned acts of extremism by the Boko Haram terrorist group.
“Terrorism must be brought to an end not only in Nigeria but the world over so that peace could reign again among the peoples,” the UN Secretary General said.
The commemoration was part of the activities lined up for the UN Secretary General who is in Nigeria on an official visit.
On August 26, 2011 a car bomb explosion at the UN building left at least 21 persons dead and 60 wounded.
The Boko Haram sect claimed responsibility for the attack.
In the second day of the official visit, the UN Secretary General will visit health units and immunisation centre in Garki area of Abuja to further assess Nigeria’s efforts towards the actualisation of the Millennium Development Goals.
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”.
The highpoint of Mr Ki-moon’s visit will be his meeting with President Muhammadu Buhari, which will be rounded off with a joint press conference.
There will also be a dinner hosted by President Buhari in honour of the esteemed guest.
Era Of Sustainability
After his arrival on Sunday, Mr Ban urged state governors in Nigeria to use the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), which are billed to be adopted by world leaders at a UN Summit in September, as the basis for governance in Nigeria’s new era of leadership.
He said Nigeria occupies a central place in the comity of nations and the government at the state level play a crucial role in realising the developmental aspirations of the people.
“Here in Nigeria, you know the challenges all too well –- including the rise of extremism and the lack of equal opportunity.
“I know this is a deep and vital challenge in particular for the governors of the northeast… This is also a time of hope. I want to commend you and all of Nigeria’s leaders for the peaceful democratic transition of power,” he told Nigerian governors at a private meeting.
The UN Secretary General said state governments were crucial to this new era of sustainability which Nigeria could not afford to take for granted.
