United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres reaffirmed the UN's commitment to supporting the humanitarian efforts of the Nigerian government, calling for increasing the volume of humanitarian assistance to Africa.
According to a statement released by the UN, the chief of the UN has acknowledged that "Nigeria is a country where Africa’s promise and potential come to vivid life. I saw this first-hand in my meetings today with women and young people, whose vision and commitment were deeply inspiring."
The Secretary-General made these remarks during a joint Press Stakeout with President Muhammadu Buhari, at the State House Abuja, where he met with a number of religious and cultural leaders representing Nigeria’s beating multi-ethnic heart, and business leaders pushing Nigeria’s economy forward.
"I went to see first-hand some of the enormous challenges facing this African country. Violence continues to cast a shadow of death over so many Nigerians, and has sparked a crisis of displacement across the country and the neighborhood. Yesterday, I came out of Borno with the sense that Nigeria is able to defeat this threat."
The Secretary-General reassured that "UN is very active in support of the humanitarian efforts of the Nigerian government, and that is why we have called for an additional $351 million as part of the overall $1.1 billion for the humanitarian response plan for Nigeria."
"However, Mr. Guterres noted that despite all they had seen and endured, the people he met remained hopeful and committed to returning to their communities and resuming their lives.
"To that end, I welcome the establishment of the Presidential Committee on the Repatriation, Returns, and Resettlement of Displaced Persons in the North-East."
"This spirit of hope amidst hardship – and solidarity in the struggle – was also at the center of my discussions with His Excellency the President today," he added.
Follow the latest news on Google News
