Ban Ki-Moon Arrives Nigeria

Things seem to be looking up for Nigeria in the committee of nations and this had been underscored by decision of Mr. Ban Ki-Moon to visit Nigeria. The UN Secretary-General, Mr Ban Ki-Moon, is set to arrive Nigeria today to begin a two-day official visit. The president had been applauded across the globe for his gallantry in combatting corruption, which had eaten deeply into the fabric of the nation. The renewed efforts of the Nigerian army against the boko haram insurgency is another aspect that had won support across the globe.

It would be recalled that the united states promised to support the Nigerian army with equipments to aid the country in its effort against the insurgents. With the new effort being put up by the Nigerian military and with the aids expected across the world to this effect, it is a question of time before boko haram insurgency becomes a thing of the past.

Mr Ki-Moon is expected, to among others, meet with President Muhammadu Buhari at Aso Rock Villa on Monday. The UN chief’s visit coincides with the commemoration of a deadly attack on the UN building in Abuja by Boko Haram militants.

Ban will lay a wreath to commemorate the fourth anniversary of the car bombing at the United Nations House, the headquarters for around 400 UN employees that left 21 dead on August 26, 2011. He is also expected to meet with the President on a number of important issues. There are indications that security will top the list of issues to be discussed by the two leaders.

The visit will be KI-Moon’s second since taking office in 2007. He last visited Nigeria in May 2011 to discuss the crises in Southern Sudan and Libya with then President Goodluck Jonathan. But this time around, he is expected to discuss the issue of security in Nigeria with president Muhammadu Buhari.

An itinerary released by the UN Information Centre, Lagos, said during the visit, he is also scheduled to hold talks with state governors. The dialogue with the governors, the itinerary showed, will hold under the theme: `Pathways to a New Nigeria – the Role of Sub-national Governments.’  The meeting with the governors is expected to hold in Abuja and all the state governors are expected to be in attendance.

Ki-Moon would later in the day have lunch with members of the business community. The lunch time conversation will be on: `The role of Nigeria business and the economy in implementing the Sustainable Development Goals and addressing climate change.” The meeting is expected to gear members of the Nigerian business community up to make them take up their allotted responsibilities in Nigeria's new drive towards economic recovery.

He is also billed to take part in series of activities, including a visit to immunisation centres and a dialogue on democracy, human rights and countering violent extremism, before departing Nigeria later on Monday. His visit is not one of a surprise, considering Nigeria's rising profile in the United Nations in recent times.

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