74th UNGA is Nigeria’s day in the sun, says Adesina

The Presidency has described the 74th United Nations General Assembly, which begins fully on Monday as Nigeria’s “day in the sun.’’

Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Mr. Femi Adesina, stated this shortly after President Muhammadu Buhari’s arrival in New York on Sunday for the week long global event.

Answering questions from newsmen, Adesina hinged his comment on the recent emergence of a Nigerian, Ambassador Tijani Muhammad-Bade as the president of the UN General Assembly.

He said all eyes would be on Nigeria at the event considering the fact that a fellow citizen, Ms. Amina Mohammed, is currently the deputy secretary general of the UN.

“It is very significant; it is like Nigeria’s day in the sun because you don’t have it better than that. The deputy secretary general, the president of the general assembly and then you are the President of that country.

“It is like focus would be on Nigeria and it is a good one for our country,’’ Adesina said.

The presidential aide dismissed suggestions by some opposition elements that Buhari is attending the general assembly without a national agenda.

“Every country comes to the general assembly) with a national statement and what our president is going to present is the national statement of Nigeria. So, anybody that says that does not understand,’’ Adesina said.

The president, who landed earlier at the John F. Kennedy International Airport, was accompanied by some top government officials and senior aides.

The theme for the UNGA74 is: “Galvanising multilateral efforts for poverty eradication, quality education, climate action and inclusion.”

Buhari is scheduled as the fifth speaker during the general debate billed for Tuesday. (NAN)