Nigerian President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has stood on his maiden address to world leaders at the 78th United Nations General Assembly held in New York highlighted the essence on which the body was established and benefits and expectations of its establishment. Speaking at this year event with the theme: “Rebuilding Trust and Reigniting Global Solidarity: Accelerating Action on the 2030 Agenda and its Sustainable Development Goals towards peace, prosperity, progress, and sustainability for all”, he took his turn to remind the general assembly of the devastating effects second world war that necessitated the creation of this assembly in order to ameliorate the above effects

“In the aftermath of the Second World War, nations gathered in an attempt to rebuild their war- torn societies. A new global system was born and this great body, the United Nations, was established as a symbol and protector of the aspirations and finest ideals of humankind. Nations saw that it was in their own interests to help others exit the rubble and wasteland of war.

 Reliable and significant assistance allowed countries emaciated by war to grow into strong and productive societies. The period was a highwater mark for trust in global institutions and the belief that humanity had learned the necessary lessons to move forward in global solidarity and harmony,” President Bola Posited.

Further in his address H.E Presdent Tinubu made an assertion and compelling declaration that  it is eminent and crucial moment now for UN  general assembly members to show, with their actions as concerns global commitment especially towards Africa.

“Today and for several decades, Africa has been asking for the same level of political commitment and devotion of resource that described the Marshall Plan.

We realize that underlying conditions and causes of the economic challenges facing today’s Africa are significantly different from those of post war Europe.

We are not asking for identical programs and actions. What we seek is an equally firm commitment to partnership. We seek enhanced international cooperation with African nations to achieve the 2030 agenda and Sustainable Development Goals,” He stated

As concerns concern crackdown on terror financing, economic sabotage, and illicit mineral & arms smuggling in Africa and the developing countries in general President Tinubu called on world leaders to exhibit common sense of trust and solidarity with level sincerity of commitment to fight these ills that stifled the economic development of these nations..

“The fourth important aspect of global trust and solidarity is to secure the continent’s mineral rich areas from pilfering and conflict. Many such areas have become catacombs of misery and exploitation. The Democratic Republic of the Congo has suffered this for decades, despite the strong UN presence there. The world economy owes the DRC much, but gives her very little.

“Foreign entities that are abetted by local criminals, who aspire to be petty warlords, have drafted thousands of our people into servitude to illegally mine gold and other resources. Billions of dollars meant to improve the nation now fuel countless violent enterprises. If left unchecked, they will threaten peace and place national security at grave risk. Given the extent of this injustice and the high stakes involved, many Africans are asking whether this phenomenon is by accident or by design.  Member nations must reply by working with us to deter their firms and nationals from this 21st century pillage of the continent’s riches. To keep faith with the tenets of this world body and the theme of this year’s Assembly, the poverty of nations must end. The pillage of one nation’s resources by the overreach of firms and people of stronger nations must now end,” the President declared.

On the aspect of investment opportunities on oil-rich country Nigeria President Tinubu further solicited for global investors to seize these great opportunities available in the country citing the vast mineral resources the country is endowed with and the population of the country being an advantage for any investor. He further mentioned some economic reforms he has put in place to facilitate economic recovery and growth which include removal of fuel subsidy and tax reforms to exit multiple taxations, All these reforms are bent to initiate new investors into the country.

“We welcome partnerships with those who do not mind seeing Nigeria and Africa assumes larger roles in the global community. The question is not whether Nigeria is open for business. The question is how much of the world is truly open to doing business with Nigeria and Africa in an equal, mutually beneficial manner. Direct investment in critical industries, opening their ports to a wider range and larger quantity of African exports and meaningful debt relief are important aspects of the cooperation we seek,” the President assured.

Commenting on the new world order which is climate change and global decarbonization H.E President Tinubu harped on exigency of the global world leaders to live up to Paris climate change agreement to fight the excruciating havoc being unleashed by its effects globally. He made solemn request from developed nations for Africa to chart owned path for continental zero emission deadline. He highlighted Nigeria process in combating climate change through non desertification approach and his government utmost commitment towards gas revolutioary measure  in Nigeria via the gas master plan policy.  .

“African nations will fight climate change, but we must do so on our own terms. To achieve the needed popular consensus, this campaign must accord with our overall economic efforts. In Nigeria, we shall build political consensus by highlighting remedial actions which also promote the broader economic good. Projects such as ‘The Great Green Wall’ to stop desert encroachment; halting the destruction of our forests through the mass production and distribution of gas burning stoves; and the provision of employment through local water management and irrigation projects are examples of efforts that equally advance both economic and climate change objectives simultaneously. Continental efforts regarding climate change will register important victories, only if established economies were more forthcoming with public and private sector investment for Africa’s preferred projects and initiatives,” the President said.