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President Bola Tinubu’s Speech at 78th UN General Assembly
1 STATEMENT DELIVERED BY HIS EXCELLENCY, BOLA AHMED TINUBU, GCFR PRESIDENT, FEDERAL REPUBLIC OF NIGERIA AT THE GENERAL DEBATE OF THE 78TH SESSION OF UNITED NATIONS GENERAL ASSEMBLY, 18TH SEPTEMBER 2023.
Mr. President, Heads of State and Government, Secretary-General, Distinguished Delegates, Ladies and Gentlemen,
Mr.
President, 1. On behalf of the people of Nigeria, I congratulate you on your well-deserved election as President of this Session of the United Nations General Assembly.- We commend your predecessor, His Excellency, Mr. Csaba Korosi (Cha-ba Kor-o-chi) for his able stewardship of the Assembly.
- We also commend His Excellency, Antonio Guterres, Secretary General of the United Nations, for his work seeking to forge solutions to humanity’s common challenges.
- This is my first address before the General Assembly. Permit me to say a few words on behalf of Nigeria, on behalf of Africa, regarding this year’s theme.
- Many proclamations have been made, yet our troubles remain close at hand. Failures in good governance have hindered Africa. But broken promises, unfair treatment and outright exploitation from abroad have also exacted a heavy toll on our ability to progress.
- Given this long history, if this year’s theme is to mean anything at all, it must mean something special and particular to Africa.
- In the aftermath of the Second World War, nations gathered in an attempt to rebuild their wartorn societies. A new global system was born and this great body, the United Nations, was established as a symbol and protector of the aspirations and finest ideals of humankind.
- Nations saw that it was in their own interests to help others exit the rubble and wasteland of war. Reliable and significant assistance allowed countries emaciated by war to grow into strong and productive societies.
- The period was a highwater mark for trust in global institutions and the belief that humanity had learned the necessary lessons to move forward in global solidarity and harmony.
- Today and for several decades, Africa has been asking for the same level of political commitment and devotion of resource that described the Marshall Plan.
- We realize that underlying conditions and causes of the economic challenges facing today’s Africa are significantly different from those of post war Europe.
- We are not asking for identical programs and actions. What we seek is an equally firm commitment to partnership. We seek enhanced international cooperation with African nations to achieve the 2030 agenda and Sustainable Development Goals.
- There are five important points I want to highlight.
- First, if this year’s theme is to have any impact at all, global institutions, other nations and their private sector actors must see African development as a priority, not just for Africa but in their interests as well.
- Due to both longstanding internal and external factors, Nigeria’s and Africa’s economic structures have been skewed to impede development, industrial expansion, job creation, and the equitable distribution of wealth.
- If Nigeria is to fulfil its duty to its people and the rest of Africa, we must create jobs and the belief in a better future for our people.
- We must also lead by example.
- To foster economic growth and investor confidence in Nigeria, I removed the costly and corrupt fuel subsidy while also discarding a noxious exchange rate system in my first days in office. Other growth and job oriented reforms are in the wings.
- I am mindful of the transient hardship that reform can cause. However, it is necessary to go through this phase in order to establish a foundation for durable growth and investment to build the economy our people deserve.
- We welcome partnerships with those who do not mind seeing Nigeria and Africa assume larger roles in the global community.
- The question is not whether Nigeria is open for business. The question is how much of the world is truly open to doing business with Nigeria and Africa in an equal, mutually beneficial manner.
- Direct investment in critical industries, opening their ports to a wider range and larger quantity of African exports and meaningful debt relief are important aspects of the cooperation we seek.
- Second, we must affirm democratic governance as the best guarantor of the sovereign will and well-being of the people. Military coups are wrong, as is any tilted civilian political arrangement that perpetuates injustice.
- The wave crossing parts of Africa does not demonstrate favour towards coups. It is a demand for solutions to perennial problems.
- Regarding Niger, we are negotiating with the military leaders. As Chairman of ECOWAS, I seek to help re-establish democratic governance in a manner that addresses the political and economic challenges confronting that nation, including the violent extremists who seek to foment instability in our region. I extend a hand of friendship to all who genuinely support this mission.
- This brings me to my third crucial point. Our entire region is locked in protracted battle against 10 violent extremists. In the turmoil, a dark channel of inhumane commerce has formed. Along the route, everything is for sale. Men, women and children are seen as chattel.
- Yet, thousands risk the Sahara’s hot sand and the Mediterranean’s cold depths in search of a better life. At the same time, mercenaries and extremists with their lethal weapons and vile ideologies invade our region from the north.
- This harmful traffic undermines the peace and stability of an entire region. African nations will improve our economies so that our people do not risk their lives to sweep the floors and streets of other nations. We also shall devote ourselves to disbanding extremist groups on our turf.
- Yet, to fully corral this threat, the international community must strengthen its commitment to arrest the flow of arms and violent people into West Africa.
- The fourth important aspect of global trust and solidarity is to secure the continent’s mineral rich areas from pilfering and conflict. Many such areas have become catacombs of misery and exploitation. The Democratic Republic of the Congo has suffered this for decades, despite the strong UN presence there. The world economy owes the DRC much but gives her very little.
- The mayhem visited on resource rich areas does not respect national boundaries. Sudan, Mali, Burkina Faso, CAR, the list grows.
- The problems also knocks Nigeria’s door. Foreign entities abetted by local criminals who aspire to be petty warlords have drafted thousands of people into servitude to illegally mine gold and other resources. Billions of dollars meant to improve the nation now fuel violent enterprises. If left unchecked, they will threaten peace and place national security at grave risk.
- Given the extent of this injustice and the high stakes involved, many Africans are asking whether this phenomenon is by accident or by design.
- Member nations must reply by working with us to deter their firms and nationals from this 21st century pillage of the continent’s riches.
- Fifth, climate change severely impacts Nigeria and Africa. Northern Nigeria is hounded by desert encroachment on once arable land. Our south is pounded by the rising tide of coastal flooding and erosion. In the middle, the rainy season brings floods that kill and displace multitudes.
- As I lament deaths at home, I also lament the grave loss of life in Morocco and Libya. The Nigerian people are with you.
- African nations will fight climate change but must do so on our own terms. To achieve the needed popular consensus, this campaign must accord with overall economic efforts.
- In Nigeria, we shall build political consensus by highlighting remedial actions which also promote 14 economic good. Projects such as a Green Wall to stop desert encroachment, halting the destruction of our forests by mass production and distribution of gas burning stoves, and providing employment in local water management and irrigation projects are examples of efforts that equally advance both economic and climate change objectives.
- Continental efforts regarding climate change will register important victories if established economies were more forthcoming with public and private sector investment for Africa’s preferred initiatives.
- Again, this would go far in demonstrating that global solidarity is real and working.
CONCLUSION 41. As I close, let me emphasize that Nigeria’s objectives accord with the guiding principles of this world body: peace, security, human rights and development.
- In fundamental ways, nature has been kind to Africa, giving abundant land, resources and creative and industrious people. Yet, man has too often been unkind to his fellow man and this sad tendency has brought sustained hardship to Africa’s doorstep.
- To keep faith with the tenets of this world body and the theme of this year’s Assembly, the poverty of nations must end. The pillage of one nation’s resources by the overreach of firms and people of stronger nations must end. The will of the people must be respected. This beauty, generous and forgiving planet must be protected.
- As for Africa, we seek to be neither appendage nor patron. We do not wish to replace old shackles with new ones.
- Instead, we hope to walk the rich African soil and live under the magnificent African sky free of the wrongs of the past and clear of their associated encumbrances. We desire a prosperous, vibrant democratic living space for our people.
- To the rest of the world, I say walk with us as true friends and partners. Africa is not a problem to be avoided nor is it to be pitied. Africa is nothing less than the key to the world’s future.
From Ayinde Akintade, Osogbo
The Permanent Chairman, Southern Nigeria Traditional Rulers Council (SNTRC), Arole Oodua Olofin Adimula and Ooni of Ife, His Imperial Majesty Ooni Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, Ojaja II, has installed the First Lady of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, as the Yeye Asiwaju gbogbo Ile Oodua.
The installation ceremony took place yesterday at Afewonro Park, Enuwa Square, Ooni’s Palace, Ile-Ife, during the grand finale of activities marking the 10th Coronation Anniversary of Ooni Ogunwusi.
Rites were performed for Senator Oluremi Tinubu by traditional chiefs in accordance with ancient customs.
Speaking during the ceremony, the Ooni expressed deep appreciation to Senator Oluremi Tinubu for her unwavering support over the years.
“She is the mother of the nation. Exactly 10 years ago, on the 7th of December 2015, she stood by me through thick and thin. I asked Baba Obasanjo to help me thank her because he accompanied me to several ancestral sites during those critical moments. Baba spent 16 straight hours with me when I was announced as Ooni of Ife. Today is not a day for long speeches, but I must sincerely thank President Bola Tinubu for his support and thank all of you for standing by our mother. She is indeed a merciful mother,” Ooni Ogunwusi said.
In her speech, Senator Oluremi Tinubu expressed profound gratitude to God and described the honour as both humbling and divine.
She commended the Ooni for his visionary leadership, describing him as a young, wise, and progressive monarch whose reign has brought global visibility and renewed pride to the Yoruba race.
She expressed appreciation to the entire Ife Kingdom for their support for the Ooni throughout the last decade.
“The joy of the nation has come, and we are just beginning to celebrate. God has assured us that 2026 will be a year of joy, honour, and restoration, a year in which everyone will partake in renewed glory,” she added.
Former President Olusegun Obasanjo lauded the Ooni for deeming the First Lady worthy of the prestigious title.
He urged Senator Tinubu to continue her humanitarian works, stressing that chieftaincy titles are traditionally bestowed on individuals of proven character.
“You have come to where you should belong. Continue your good works wherever you go. I am grateful to God that I witnessed the beginning of Ooni Ogunwusi’s reign and that I am here again to celebrate his 10th anniversary,” Obasanjo said.
In his goodwill message, Osun State Governor, Senator Ademola Adeleke, praised Senator Oluremi Tinubu as a pillar of national development whose contributions have facilitated numerous impactful initiatives across the country.
Adeleke also extolled the Ooni’s remarkable decade of transformative leadership, highlighting his role in advancing Yoruba culture, fostering unity, and contributing significantly to community and national development.
“In 10 years, Kabiyesi has redefined leadership, using his exalted stool to promote peace, unity, and progress. His purposeful engagement and forward-looking initiatives have elevated Ile-Ife’s global visibility and strengthened the unity of the Yoruba race,” he said.
The governor further applauded the Ooni’s entrepreneurial investments, which have enabled job creation, youth empowerment, and sustainable community development.
“Oba Adeyeye’s reign has greatly enhanced the cultural, social, and economic landscape of Ile-Ife. We pray that God grants him continued grace and good health to sustain his impactful leadership for many more decades,” he added.
The ceremony was attended by dignitaries such as Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar, Olu of Warri, Ogiame Atuwatse III; former First Lady, Patience Jonathan, Soun of Ogbomosho, Ọba Ghandi Afọlábí all of whom graced the celebrations with their presence to pay tribute to the Ooni’s decade of impactful reign.
Among the top government officials in attendance were Osun State Governor, Senator Ademola Adeleke, Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu; Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun; former Ogun State Governor, Senator Ibikunle Amosun; Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Mudashiru Obasa; former Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Dimeji Bankole; and the Deputy Governor of Osun State, Prince Kola Adewusi.
Also present were leading women of influence, including Kafayat Oyetola, wife of the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy; Lilian Oghogho Musa, wife of the Minister of Defence; Hajiya Fatima Tajudeen Abbas, wife of the Speaker of the House of Representatives; Dr. Ezinne Chinyere Kalu, wife of the Deputy Speaker; Salamatu Gbajabiamila, wife of the Chief of Staff to the President; Mrs. Titilayo Adeleke, wife of the Osun State Governor; the Yeyelaje of Oodua, Toyin Kolade; and former Oyo First Lady, Florence Ajimobi.
A distinguished assembly of traditional rulers also thronged the venue, further highlighting the significance of the occasion. Present were the Orangun of Oke-Ila, Oba Adedokun Abolarin; Salu of Edunabon, Oba Kehinde Oladepo; Orangun of Ila, Oba Wahab Oyedotun; Elegushi of Ikate-Elegushi Kingdom, Oba Saheed Ademola Elegushi; Oloro of Oro Kingdom, Oba Joel Olaniyi Oyatoye; alongside many other royal fathers from across Yorubaland and Nigeria.
From Attah Ede, Makurdi
An ex- corps member and a recipient of Presidential Honour Award, Udokpo Abasi, at the weekend returned to the NYSC orientation camp Wannune and his place of primary assignment in Benue State to show appreciation for the support he garnered to win presidential award.
Abasi, former member of the Orientation Broadcasting Service(OBS) and the Editorial and Publicity CDS Group, visited the NYSC Orientation Camp in Wannune, Benue State, to express his gratitude for the platform the scheme provided him.
He was warmly received by the State Coordinator, Veronica Garba, the Camp Director, Yahuza Isa Adamu, and the Head of the Publicity and Protocol Committee, Victoria Ogwuche.
During the visit, he shared the principles that shaped his success and contributed to his recognition as a State and Presidential Honour Award recipient.
Abasi highlighted punctuality, regularity, determination, devotion to duty, loyalty, effectiveness, resilience, initiative, discipline, teamwork, and strong interpersonal relationships as key values that guided him during and after his service year. He encouraged Corps Members to embrace these virtues diligently.
He also commended the current batch for the teamwork and discipline he observed in camp, noting that such qualities remain central to personal progress and the continued legacy of excellence in the NYSC scheme.
He further motivated Corps Members to embark on purposeful projects, embrace responsibility, and maximise the opportunities available during the service year.
As part of his visit to Benue, Abasi also returned to his former place of primary assignment and his host community, where he once served as a Corps Member, to reconnect and express appreciation for the support he received.
Corps Members described his visit as inspiring and reaffirming, as it offered real life examples of the opportunities available through dedication and hard work.
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From Attah Ede, Makurdi
A global Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO), International Alert has inaugurated Climate Project Steering Committee in Benue State, to tackle climate-induced conflicts and promote peace through Community dialogue.
The programme which is being supported by Irish Government, is meant to address the challenges of climate stress and conflicts by providing oversight and strategic guidance for implementing the Powering Peace through Climate Action project.
While inaugurating the state steering committee in Makurdi, the Senior Project Officer, International Alert, Kengkeng Ati, enjoined the State Steering Committee members to diligently tackle the dual challenges of climate stress and conflicts across the state.
He further urged the committee to provide oversight, strategic guidance, and recommendations for implementing the Powering Peace through Climate Action project.
“We are not simply urging communities to cease hostilities; we are investing in climate-smart solutions that offer livelihood options and alleviate tensions,” Ati emphasized.
Highlighting the climate challenges faced by Benue State, the Project Officer mentioned issues such as reduced rainfall, drying water sources, declining soil fertility, and abnormal weather patterns as indicators.
He underlined the urgent need to address these issues to prevent further disputes over land and resources.
Meanwhile, as part of measures to mitigate tensions, climate hubs have been set up in Fiidi and Agatu, offering services like weather monitoring, biogas production, briquette- making, fish drying, and solar-powered water supply.
This is in addition to fish ponds in Fiidi Community in Makurdi and Agatu which are being revitalized to enhance food security and income.
The project which is being implemented in collaboration with the Benue State Council on Climate Change, aims to empower local Communities and ensure the sustainability of climate hubs beyond the project’s one-year duration.
The inaugurated multi-stakeholder Steering Committee includes representatives from government ministries and parastatals, departments, agencies, and the private sector.
The Senior Project Officer highlighted the project’s objectives, which include raising awareness about climate change, developing local peace and adaptation plans, influencing government policies and funding, and providing sustainable livelihoods to reduce conflict triggers.
He encouraged Benue Communities to embrace new technologies and transition from conflict-prone systems to a more prosperous future.
In a presentation titled “Powering Peace Through Climate Action Project Phase II,” Mr. Ati shared insights from the project’s initial phase, which he confirmed had successfully united Communities and resolved resource-related conflicts through a climate-conflict analysis.
According to him, the project’s second phase would focus more on sustaining conflict sensitivity and climate adaptation efforts to engage diverse stakeholders.
Ati stressed the importance of collaboration among international stakeholders, government bodies, INGOs, and Community groups to harness climate adaptation for stakeholder empowerment.
Chairman of the Steering Committee, who is also the Director General of the SDGs Office in the State, Sir John Akuse pledged assured that the Project Steering Committee would provide unwavering dedication and top-tier support to the project team.
Other members of the Committee including Dr. Dan Mailumo, the Director General of Benue State Council on Climate Change, and Mrs. Josephine Habba, the Director General of Benue State Commission for Peace and Conflict, alongside other representatives from pertinent organizations, expressed their full support for the project and affirmed their commitment towards achieving the goals set by the Project Steering Committee.
It would be recalled that the International Alert, was established in 1986, with a mission to foster dialogue, research, advocacy, and outreach activities promoting peace and sustainable development.
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