Prof. Tijjani Muhammad-Bande, Nigeria's Permanent Representative to the United Nations, said Nigeria would join other world leaders in pushing for global COVID-19 vaccine equality during the ongoing UN General Assembly high-level sessions.
President Muhammadu Buhari would join other world leaders in pushing for universal vaccination availability, Muhammad-Bande told the Nigerian News Agency in New York.
Based on the topic of the 76th session of the United Nations General Assembly, the Nigerian envoy stated that the problem of equitable access to vaccinations was essential.
The theme for the 2021 General Assembly is, “Building Resilience through Hope – To Recover from COVID-19, Rebuild Sustainably, Respond to the Needs of the Planet, Respect the Rights of People and Revitalise the United Nations”.
“There is nothing more challenging and more pressing now than the global health; it is extremely urgent. So, the President, Major General Muhammadu Buhari (retd.) will join others and push for global vaccine equity,’’ the envoy said.
The President, Major General Muhammadu Buhari (retd.) arrived in New York on Sunday for the high-level meetings of the 76th Session of the UN General Assembly.
He is expected to address the high-level session of the General Assembly on the fourth day of the General Debates on Friday, September 24, when he would speak on the theme of the conference and other global issues.
Nigeria, he says, is prepared to join the other Member States in speaking about its understanding of the global challenges and its contributions to addressing those challenges.
Nigeria, he added, will also participate to global talks on climate change, peace, and security at the UN General Assembly's high-level sessions.
“Nigeria is well-prepared for the Assembly's 76th session. Naturally, all nations face challenges, but Nigeria is handling all of the duties pertaining to attendance and participation in terms of modalities."
According to him, Nigeria has been a member of the UN since 1961 and has been participating in various General Assembly activities since then.
He also said Nigeria would be sharing success stories with the Assembly on its role in stabilising the West African region, joining others in bringing peace and security to the region.
“We are aware that we have to prosecute the war on terror in our region, counter-terrorism is in mind. We are also mindful of our responsibility in education and health. When you look at efforts in education, health or global peace, you will always see Nigeria taking the lead.
“Nigeria has a lot to offer but also has worries about how terrorist groups move to countries, it is a concern how they procure arms. Nigeria is not a country that produces arms but we are worried so that arms will not get to the wrong hands. This is a very important discussion for the continent. Nigeria will deal with this issue and global peace,’’ he said.
Author:Ademola Olonilua
