A letter from the Diaspora by King Wale AdeSanya
As an Introduction to this article, I had the opportunity to attend a meeting with the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, His Excellency Bola Ahmed Tinubu organized by the Nigerian Diaspora Commission at the United Nations Hotel.
Also, Mr. Sam Adewale, President of Leadership and Governance Canada and I attended an Investment and Trade Conference at the Hilton Manhattan where a number of our Ministers and Governors spoke directly to the attendees.
The United Nations General Assembly, held annually in New York City, serves as a platform for leaders from around the world to engage in crucial discussions and make decisions on various global issues. The outcome of this assembly has the potential to shape the future of nations, and Nigeria, as a prominent member of the United Nations, stands to gain numerous benefits from its participation. To explore some key developments from the recent United Nations General Assembly and highlight how Nigeria can leverage these outcomes for its benefit.
Among all the speeches, Minister Festus Keyamo and Minister Doris Uzoka-Anite resonate with me on the new direction of the Nigerian Executive Council. I was impressed by their articulation and optimistic approach to their portfolios.
One of the most pressing global challenges discussed during the General Assembly was climate change. With Nigeria being susceptible to the impacts of climate change, such as rising temperatures, desertification, and frequent floods, this issue holds particular significance for the nation. The General Assembly’s focus on climate change provides an opportunity for Nigeria to strengthen its commitment to environmental sustainability, set targets for reducing greenhouse gas emissions, and advocate for international support for renewable energy initiatives. This will not only help to protect Nigeria’s natural resources but also attract investment in green technologies, creating new job opportunities and supporting a transition to a more sustainable future.
Promoting Trade and Investment in Nigeria.
Another crucial aspect of the General Assembly is fostering economic cooperation and development. Nigeria, as Africa’s largest economy, has immense potential to benefit from increased global trade and investment partnerships. The General Assembly provides a platform for Nigerian leaders to showcase the country’s investment opportunities, engage in bilateral discussions, and attract foreign investment into key sectors such as agriculture, manufacturing, and infrastructure development. By leveraging these opportunities, Nigeria/ PBAT can promote economic growth, diversify its economy, and create more employment opportunities for its growing population.
Peace and security were also central themes during the General Assembly. Nigeria has faced significant security challenges, particularly from insurgent groups such as Boko Haram in the northeastern region. The General Assembly offers an opportunity for Nigeria to seek support and cooperation from the international community in addressing these security concerns. By engaging in discussions on counter-terrorism, intelligence sharing, and regional collaboration, Nigeria can strengthen its security apparatus and foster a more stable environment conducive to economic growth and development.
Given the ongoing global COVID-19 pandemic, the General Assembly’s discussions on health and well-being are of paramount importance. Nigeria, like many other nations, has been grappling with the impacts of the pandemic on its healthcare system and economy. The General Assembly provides a platform for Nigeria to share its experiences, learn from global best practices, and advocate for equitable access to vaccines, therapeutics, and medical resources. By actively participating in these discussions, Nigeria can generate support for its healthcare system, enhance its pandemic response capabilities, and ensure the well-being of its citizens.
In Conclusion; the United Nations General Assembly serves as a critical platform for nations to address global challenges and advocate for their interests. Nigeria, as a prominent member of the United Nations, has the opportunity to benefit immensely from the outcomes of this assembly. By actively engaging in discussions on climate change, trade, investment, peace and security, and health and well-being, Nigeria can leverage these outcomes to foster sustainable development, attract investment, enhance security, and improve the quality of life for its citizens. The recent United Nations General Assembly in New York offered Nigeria a valuable opportunity to contribute to global decision-making and advance its national interests.
King Wale AdeSanya is the National Chairman of the Nigerian and Canadian Business Network https://www.ncbn.ca headquarters in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada. He can be reached at King@ncbn.ca
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