Toba Owojaiye reporting
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s address at the 78th United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) covered a range of important global issues.
This was his first appearance as president in the august summit.
Here are a few key points from his speech:
Climate Change: President Tinubu emphasized the urgency of tackling climate change. He highlighted its impact on Nigeria and Africa, including desert encroachment in the north and coastal flooding in the south. He stressed the need for climate action that aligns with economic development efforts, such as the Green Wall project to combat desert encroachment.
Global Cooperation The President called for stronger international cooperation on various fronts, including climate change, economic development, and security. He urged global institutions and other nations to prioritize African development as it is not only beneficial for Africa but also in their interests.
Democratic Governance: Tinubu affirmed the importance of democratic governance and condemned military coups and political arrangements that perpetuate injustice. He expressed Nigeria’s commitment to re-establishing democratic governance in Niger, where negotiations with military leaders were ongoing.
Security and Extremism: The President highlighted the protracted battle against violent extremists in the region and the need for international cooperation to halt the flow of arms and extremists into West Africa. He emphasized the commitment of African nations to disbanding extremist groups on their turf.
Resource Exploitation: President Tinubu raised concerns about the exploitation of mineral-rich areas in Africa, mentioning countries like the Democratic Republic of the Congo and the threats to national security posed by illegal resource mining. He called on member nations to deter their firms and nationals from exploiting Africa’s resources.
Economic Reforms: The President discussed economic reforms in Nigeria, including the removal of fuel subsidies and exchange rate system changes. He emphasized the importance of fostering economic growth and investor confidence in Nigeria and Africa as a whole.
African Self-reliance: President Tinubu stressed Africa’s desire for true partnerships and self-reliance, not becoming dependent on external actors. He sought equal, mutually beneficial cooperation with the rest of the world and emphasized Africa’s potential as a key player in the world’s future.
Tinubu said “ 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 “.
President Tinubu’s address outlined Africa’s priorities and called for global solidarity, emphasizing the importance of addressing climate change, promoting democratic governance, and ending resource exploitation, all while fostering economic growth and self-reliance in the African continent. The speech was well received and applauded by the 78th United Nations General Assembly (UNGA).