President ends US trip, says outing was successful

President Muhammadu Buhari has commended the United States for ensuring efficient security and administrative arrangements at the 71 Session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA71) in New York.

This is contained in a statement issued in Abuja on Saturday, September 24, by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Mr Femi Adesina.

According to the statement, the President gave the commendation while addressing newsmen at the conclusion of his five-day activities during the UNGA71.

He said the outing was successfull.

Buhari also commended officials of Nigerian Ministry of Foreign Affairs for demonstrating “that we still have capable officers in our Foreign and civil services”.

He saluted the Nigerian officers for the “tireless effects in projecting a positive image to our country, even in difficult times.”

The president used the opportunity of the media parley to review all his major and side events during the visit.

He highlighted the issues on which he sent a clear and direct message to world leaders.

“I highlighted the need for the international community to work together to liberate humanity from poverty, save our planet from the devastation of climate change and rid the world of terrorism for a more peaceful and prosperous future.

“I mentioned that the plight of Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) arising from Boko Haram terrorism is of particular concern to us.

“For this reason, we have taken concrete steps to address their humanitarian needs and to ensure that necessary conditions are established to enable the voluntary return of the displaced persons to their homes in safety and dignity,’’ he said.

The President acknowledged that Nigeria as a developing country had been adversely affected by the global economic downturn

“We are undeterred and have embarked on a wide range of reforms in our efforts to diversify our economy.

“And to shift emphasis to mining, agriculture, industrialization, infrastructure development and the creation of the enabling environment for Foreign Direct Investment,” he said.

He also noted that “fighting corruption remains of prime importance to our administration.’’

According to him, the campaign is already yielding positive gains including significant stolen assets recoveries.