President Muhammadu Buhari has congratulated former Portugal’s Prime Minister, Antonio Guterres, on his appointment as the next UN Secretary General and urged him to spearhead immediate reform of the world body.
In a statement by his Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity, Garba Shehu, President Buhari said he was confident that Guterres’ wealth of experience as a former Prime Minister as well as head of UN Refugee Agency for several years, eminently prepared and qualified him for the new position.
The President added Nigeria is looking forward to working with the incoming UN boss to address the world’s most pressing challenges.
The statement read in part, “The President strongly believes that for the UN to remain relevant in the 21st century, the new UN Secretary-General must redouble efforts and spearhead essential reforms of the world body to enable it effectively address current global challenges.”
Top among the challenges President Buhari feels the Guterres should focus on include: defeating terrorism and violent extremism, reducing poverty, tackling the devastating effects of climate change; as well as confronting the causes of migrants and refugee crisis.
Buhari also commended the outgoing Secretary-General, Ban Ki-Moon on his successful tenure and dedicated service to humanity.
The New UN Secretary-General will officially assume office on January 1, 2017.