Nigeria’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Amb. Tijjani Muhammad-Bande, has emerged President of the 74th UN General Assembly.
This makes him the 74th holder of the position taking over from Ecuardorian María Fernanda Espinosa Garcés. “Peace and security, poverty eradication, zero hunger, quality education, climate action and inclusion will constitute a major priority of my presidency,” said Muhammad-Bande.
Muhammad Bande, the sole candidate for the position, was elected through acclamation at the 87th plenary meeting of the Assembly in New York on Tuesday.
Prof Bande, who will take office in September, is the second Nigerian to hold the office after Joseph Garba, a retired military officer and diplomat, who led the organ between 1989 and 1990.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has applauded the emergence of Prof. Bande, describing it as a positive development and demonstrates the confidence in Nigeria’s ability to pilot the affairs of the revered global institution.
Speaking on the new development, UN Secretary-General António Guterres had this to say “It is my pleasure to congratulate Prof. Tijani Mohammad Bande as President of the 74th session of the United Nations General Assembly.
“Prof Bande, you bring many important and remarkable qualifications to the job. From your years as permanent representative of Nigeria, you know the United Nations well.
