Tinubu will honour Nigerians working at UN – Amb. Jimoh

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The Permanent Representative of Nigeria to the United Nations, Amb. Jimoh Ibrahim says President Bola Tinubu will confer national honours on some Nigerians serving within the United Nations system.

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Jimoh made the announcement at a dinner hosted by the United Nations Staff Recreation Council (UNSRC) – Nigeria Association at the Nigeria House in New York.

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He said the Tinubu administration recognised the outstanding contributions of Nigerians serving across the UN and remained committed to rewarding excellence and service.

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“Many of you here deserve national honours,” Jimoh told the gathering,” Jimoh said.

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“I can assure you that in the next batch, some of you will receive national honours for services rendered to Nigeria and the global community.”

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The envoy said Tinubu would fulfil his pledge to recognise Nigerians who had distinguished themselves within the international system.

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Jimoh expressed appreciation to Nigerian professionals serving across UN agencies, programmes and departments.

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He suggested that the Nigerian Government should appoint some of them as ministers and heads of agencies and departments to leverage their expertise in helping develop the country.

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According to him, some of them can consider taking a leave of absence for some years to serve Nigeria at the federal level or in their states.

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“You have continued to make Nigeria proud through your professionalism, sacrifice and contributions to the international community.

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“We will stand by you and support your career. The country is here to provide all the support needed for you to succeed,” he said.

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The ambassador also declared that Nigeria had returned strongly to the centre of multilateral diplomacy and global affairs.

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According to him, recent diplomatic successes at the United Nations reflected the country’s renewed international influence.

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“Let me thank the Deputy Secretary-General, Amina Mohammed, for her tremendous support to Nigeria,” he said.

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Jimoh highlighted the appointment of Mrs Ahunna Eziakonwa as Special Adviser on Africa to UN Secretary-General António Guterres as one of Nigeria’s early wins within the first 90 days of his assumption of office.

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Jimoh cited Nigeria’s growing success in elections to strategic positions within the UN system, including Prof. Olufemi Elias’ election to the International Law Commission following renewed diplomatic engagement by Nigeria.

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He also referenced Nigeria’s leadership of the Fifth Committee on Budgetary and Administrative Matters, which he was elected just two weeks ago.

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“We are presenting Esther (Eghobamien-Mshelia) next week as Nigeria’s candidate for the UN CEDAW Committee 2027-2030,” he said.

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On Africa’s representation, Jimoh reiterated Nigeria’s support for reform of the UN Security Council.

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“Africa accounts for about 25 per cent of the world’s population and 54 member states of the United Nations,” he said.

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“Nigeria will continue to champion Africa’s agenda on Security Council reform. It is an insecurity for Africa not to be represented among the permanent members of the Security Council.”

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Jimoh also disclosed that Tinubu would attend the 81st Session of the United Nations General Assembly in September.

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He said the President was encouraged by Nigeria’s achievements since re-engaging actively in multilateral diplomacy.

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The ambassador also addressed concerns over insecurity in Nigeria, saying the Government is combining kinetic and non-kinetic measures to address security challenges.

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Earlier, UN Deputy Secretary-General Amina Mohammed, in remarks delivered by Amb. Vivian Okeke, Director, International Atomic Energy Agency Liaison Office in New York, praised Nigerians serving within the UN system.

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“Together, you reflect the best of Nigeria: our resilience, our intellect, our diversity and our ambition,” Mohammed said.

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The Deputy Secretary-General emphasised Africa’s growing importance to the future of global governance.

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“Africa is not a beneficiary of multilateralism. Africa is a driver of multilateralism.”

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She praised Nigeria’s longstanding contributions to peacekeeping, mediation, humanitarian action and development across Africa, saying “Nigeria has always understood this responsibility”.

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Also speaking, President of the Nigerian Association in the UN, Mrs Foluke Ojelabi, welcomed Nigeria’s renewed visibility at the United Nations.

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Ojelabi said she and her Nigerian counterparts working within the UN system were “most delighted that Nigeria is back”.

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She commended Nigerian professionals for their dedication and commitment to excellence.

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She, however, expressed concern over the funding challenges affecting the United Nations and some staff members.

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The UNSRC-Nigeria Association comprises UN employees, diplomats and retirees of Nigerian descent in New York. (NAN)

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