Buhari thanks U.S. authorities, others for his successful outing

President Muhammadu Buhari meets President Barack Obama in New York

President Muhammadu Buhari has lauded relevant U.S authorities for ensuring efficient security and administrative arrangements at the 71st Session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA71) in New York, USA.

The president made his position known in a statement issued in Abuja on Saturday by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Mr Femi Adesina.

Adesina stated that the president was addressing newsmen at the conclusion of his five-day activities during the UNGA71.

Buhari, who disclosed that he had a successful outing during the UNGA71, also commended officials of Nigerian Ministry of Foreign Affairs for demonstrating “that we still have capable officers in our Foreign and civil services”.

He saluted the Nigerian officers for the “tireless effects in projecting a positive image to our country, even in difficult times.”

The president used the opportunity of the media parley to review all his major and side events during the visit.

He highlighted the issues on which he sent a clear and direct message to world leaders.

“I highlighted the need for the international community to work together to liberate humanity from poverty, save our planet from the devastation of climate change and rid the world of terrorism for a more peaceful and prosperous future.

“I mentioned that the plight of Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) arising from Boko Haram terrorism is of particular concern to us.

“For this reason, we have taken concrete steps to address their humanitarian needs and to ensure that necessary conditions are established to enable the voluntary return of the displaced persons to their homes in safety and dignity.’’

He acknowledged that Nigeria as a developing country had been adversely affected by the global economic downturn

“We are undeterred and have embarked on a wide range of reforms in our efforts to diversify our economy.

“And to shift emphasis to mining, agriculture, industrialization, infrastructure development and the creation of the enabling environment for Foreign Direct Investment,” he said.

He also noted that “fighting corruption remains of prime importance to our administration.’’

President Muhammadu Buhari and the French President Francois Hollande in New York

According to him, the campaign is already yielding positive gains including significant stolen assets recoveries.

The president said he stated clearly Nigeria’s position on Climate Change, development in developing countries, youth development, Statehood for the Palestinians.

Accordingly, the president stated Nigeria’s position on reform of the UN Security Council with Nigeria ready to serve on a reformed Council to “advance international peace and security”.

The president also listed his meetings with world leaders and the benefits from some of the side events such as the US-Africa Business Forum.

According to him, discussions are focused on how top American business executives can collaborate with us to diversify our economy’.

He said this in turn would drive development, job creation and general business development in Nigeria.

The president mentioned his meeting with top Nigerian professionals in the United States and the urgent need to reclaim the shrinking Lake Chad.

He expressed delight that “some countries notably the United Kingdom and United States pledged additional support in the tune of 391 million dollar humanitarian aid for the Lake Chad region.