Quote:President Muhammadu Buhari will depart Abuja on Sunday for New York, United States to participate in the 74th Session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), which opened Tuesday, Sept. 17, Igbere TV reports.

A statement obtained by Igbere TV on Presidency’s Twitter handle, @NigeriaGov, said; “The President’s participation at this year’s gathering of world leaders is particularly significant as it coincides with Nigeria’s Presidency of UNGA.

“Recall that on June 4, 2019, Nigeria’s Permanent Representative to the UN, Prof. Tijjani Muhammad-Bande, was unanimously elected as the President of UNGA – an indication of Nigeria’s high esteem in global reckoning.

“This marks the second time Nigeria would be occupying that prestigious position following late Maj-Gen. Joseph Nanven Garba’s election during UNGA44 in 1989.

“The theme for UNGA-74 is, “Galvanizing Multilateral Efforts for Poverty Eradication, Quality Education, Climate Action and Inclusion.”

“The General Debates will kick off on Tuesday, September 24 during which leaders of delegations will present their National Statements as well as speak to the theme of the session.

“President Buhari is scheduled as Number Five Speaker on the first day of the debates – another plus for Nigeria as most world leaders will be listening in the General Assembly Hall while the global audience watches on live television.

“The President is expected to underscore his administration’s commitment to building on the achievements of its three-point agenda following the renewal of his electoral mandate by majority of Nigerians. He will also reaffirm Nigeria’s position on salient global issues.”

While in New York, President Buhari and members of his delegation are expected to participate in the Climate Action Summit with the theme, “A Race We Can Win. A Race We Must Win,” convened by the UN Secretary-General, Aantonio Guterres.

The President and his delegation will also participate in the following:

- High-Level meeting organized by the President of UNGA on Universal Health Coverage with the theme, “Moving Together to Build a Healthier World.”

- UN High-Level Political Forum on Sustainable Development

- High-Level Dialogue on Financial Development

- High-Level Meeting to Commemorate and Promote the International Day for the Total Elimination of Nuclear Weapons.

In addition to the above high-level meetings, the Nigerian delegation is expected to participate at the Side-Events organized by the country’s Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs).

President Buhari is also billed to hold bilateral meetings with some leaders of other delegations; CEOs of large companies keen to invest in the country; Aliko Dangote and Bill Gates on sustaining the polio-free campaign; as well as issues on human capital projects and development.

The President will be accompanied to New York by Governors Abdullahi Sule, Abubakar Atiku Bagudu and Adegboyega Oyetola of Nasarawa, Kebbi and Osun States respectively; Minister of Foreign Affairs, Geoffrey Onyeama; Minister of Environment, Dr Muhammad Mahmoud; Minister of Finance, Zainab Ahmed; and Minister of Health, Dr Osagie Ehanire.

Also on the President’s delegation are: Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management & Social Development, Sa’adiya Farouk; Minister of Water Resources, Engr. Suleiman Adamu; Minister of Education, Malam Adamu Adamu; National Security Adviser, Maj-Gen. Babagana Monguno (rtd); Director-General, National Intelligence Agency, Amb Ahmed Rufai Abubakar; National Coordinator/CEO, NEPAD, Princess Gloria Akobundu; & Senior Special Asst. to the President on SDGs, Mrs Adejoke Orelope-Adefulire.

Before returning to Abuja at the conclusion of his engagements, President Buhari will meet with a select group of top America-based Nigerian businessmen and potential investors.