The Secretary General of the United Nations, Ban Ki-Moon, on Sunday expressed the willingness of the global body to support Nigerian governors in their efforts at revamping the critical sectors of the country.
Ban Ki-Moon who met with governors, under the aegis of the Nigerian Governors Forum said no development can take place at the federal level except maximum support was received from the individual states.
He pledged the continuous support of the UN at assisting the various states in developmental efforts aimed at positively influencing the lives of the citizens.
“This is a crucial moment for Nigeria. And you have to take crucial steps to move the country forward. The United Nations is ready to help you. We have to work together to move the country forward. You understand the peoples’ challenges and you have the power to help the people on education, power, development, institution building, security and others,” the UN scribe told the governors
He noted that the world was grateful for the mature manner in which the nation’s leaders conducted themselves during the last elections, adding that the global community was looking forward to assisting the nation get back on the path of economic prosperity and political stability.
He, however, advised the governors to carry out policies that impact positively on the fortunes of the people.
“No country or leader can do it alone. You have to build a relationship with the people to achieve your aims,” he said.
The Chairman of the Forum and Governor of Zamafara State, Abdulazizi Yari, said the governors were grateful for the support so far rendered by the UN to states.
He assured the UN chief that the governors were ready to work fully with the organization to ensure that the country was polio free by 2017.
“I’m delighted to inform Mr. Secretary General that since the last time you were here, Nigeria has made unprecedented strides in the fight against this scourge. In fact, this month marks one full year without any report of a new case of polio in any part of the country,” he said.
Ban Ki-Moon is presently on an official two day visit to the country to strengthen ties with critical stakeholders in the country.
He is expected to meet with President Buhari on Monday to deliberate on issues of mutual benefit between Nigeria and the UN.