President Muhammadu Buhari will travel to the United States of America on Sunday to attend the 72nd session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA 72) but will “transit through London” during his return.
Femi Adesina, Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, said this in a statement issued on Friday.
Buhari returned from a 103-day vacation in London on August 19 after receiving treatment for an undisclosed ailment.
According to Adesina, “the high point of the President’s visit will be his participation in the General Debate during which he will deliver the country’s National Statement”.
“President Buhari will join other world leaders at the welcoming reception to be hosted by the UN Secretary General, Antonio Guterres, and also hold a bilateral meeting with the UN scribe,” he said.
“Equally, the Nigerian leader will hold a lunch meeting with President Donald Trump of the United States of America, along with other world leaders.
“During the General Assembly, Nigeria will participate in high-level meetings on ‘Prevention of Sexual Exploitation and Abuse: Building Momentum for Change,’ the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting, a High Level Event organized by the African Union under its Theme of the Year: ‘Roadmap on the Demographic Dividend: from Commitment to Action,’ among others.”
Buhari is also expected to project Nigeria as a strong moral force and responsible member of the international community during the event.
“Other priorities for the Nigerian delegation at UNGA 72 include strengthening human rights institutions; the rule of law; support for Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) as a result of terrorist acts and recent flooding, and mitigating the effects of Climate Change,” Adesina stated.
“The Nigerian delegation will also canvass the support of UN member states for the Buhari Administration’s efforts towards combating illicit financial flows in order to foster sustainable development.
“President Buhari will transit through London on his way back to the country.”
Governors Abdulazeez Yari of Zamfara, Dave Umahi of Ebonyi and Rotimi Akeredolu of Ondo States, as well as some “key cabinet ministers” will be on Buhari’s entourage.
The statement did not include when the President is expected to return to Nigeria.
Adesina had said after Buhari’s return from the UK that he would travel out again should the need arise.
“What Nigerians should hope for is that our President should remain whole. That is what we should hope for, but if there is any reason to go out, why not?” he had said.
“You need to first stay alive before you can lead a country. So whatever it takes for our President to remain healthy should be done. But we want to hope and believe that the worst is over.”