From Joseph Amedu, Lokoja
The Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Sola Enikanolaiye, has reaffirmed Nigeria’s support for United Nations amid global strategic shift.
The Minister in a statement from his Media Office made available to journalists in Lokoja on Thursday, gave an assurance that Nigeria would not relent in embracing the purposes and principles enshrined in the UN Charter.
According to the statement Ambassador Enikanolaiye while receiving the UN Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator in Nigeria, Mr. Mohamed Malick Fall, who paid him a courtesy visit in Abuja, welcomed what he described as a shift in strategic thinking within the United Nations system and commended the Organisation for its sustained and altruistic support to Nigeria through its agencies, funds and programmes over the years.
He also described the UN as a strategic partner in humanitarian action, development cooperation and peacebuilding, noting its impactful interventions, particularly in difficult and vulnerable communities across the country and around the world.
“For us as a country, we value our relationship with the United Nations. We participate actively in the maintenance of international peace and security and in advancing the other purposes for which the UN was established. We are always pleased to engage with the UN because your work supports our people and contributes to Nigeria’s success. I wish to pledge our total support for the United Nations,” the Minister stated.
On the challenge of dwindling resources, Ambassador Enikanolaiye called for innovative thinking, including stronger partnerships with the private sector, to mobilize alternative funding mechanisms for sustainable development and humanitarian response.
Earlier in his remarks, Mr. Fall, who is due to conclude his assignment in Nigeria later this year, described Nigeria as his second home, having served in the country for nearly a decade, first with UNICEF and subsequently as Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator.
He commended Nigeria’s enduring contributions to the United Nations, not only as a committed Member State but also as a rallying force for the Organisation’s ideals.
He recalled Nigeria’s historic role in regional peacekeeping, particularly through ECOMOG, as a testament to its leadership in promoting peace and security in West Africa and beyond.
