‘Africa’s challenge, my biggest challenge’

Participates in FEC special session today We have been trying to address the fundamental principles of democracy UN Security Council reform should be done in a democratic manner

THE Secretary-General of the United Nations (UN), Mr. Ban Ki-moon, who is now on a duty tour of Nigeria, yesterday praised the efforts of the Federal Government specifically on the passage of the National Health Bill which, he said was capable of enhancing the country’s capacity to meet the Milliennium Development Goals (MGDs), one of the major challenges that Africa faces.

Besides, the UN chief, in his first major interview with any newspaper in Nigeria, told The Guardian last night in Abuja that President Goodluck Jonathan “ has played a very important leadership role in restoring democracy to Cote d’Ivoire”.

In the interview anchored by the Managing Director and Editor-in Chief, Mr. Emeka Izeze, the Editor, Mr. Debo Adesina, Chairman of the Editorial Board, Dr. Reuben Abati, Executive Director, Mr Toke Alex-Ibru and the Abuja Bureau Chief, Martins Oloja, Ban who is scheduled to meet many stakeholders, including members of the Federal Executive Council and the National Assembly, said last night: “...My record speaks for itself. Since day one, I have declared African challenges will be my top priority. I started from Darfur. And I have deployed the largest Joint Mission, the UN and AU Joint Mission, UNAMID. Then, I have been working very hard to enable Africa meet the Millennium Development Goals (MGDs). Climate Change have been top priority of the UN. And we have achieved a lot...”

Ban, who praised the efforts of Nigeria’s Permanent Representative to the UN, Ambassador Joy Ogwu, disclosed his mission in Nigeria, saying: The purpose of my visit is to focus on the MDGs particularly women and children’s health. I visited the Maitama Hospital and to give encouragement to the health sector...”

He went on:  “The Nigerian government is working very hard and we have chosen two African countries, Nigeria and Ethiopia, as good examples this time...

“ Yes, I am going to participate together with the President tomorrow (today). We will have all the ministers at a special session. We will be discussing the Millennium Development Goals. It is a rare opportunity for the Secretary-General to be participating in a cabinet meeting presided over by the President. This is your cabinet meeting discussing the MDGs and I participate as UN Secretary-General and we will thereafter have a press conference....”

Ban, who described the opportunity to meet with government top officials on MDGs as “fantastic news”, disclosed that the UN Security Council reform agenda would be pursued in a democratic manner. He said he was aware that Nigeria was an aspirant to the membership of the powerful Security Council. He noted that Nigeria has been working very hard even as a non-permanent member of the UN Security Council.

The UN Secretary-General, who said he was impressed by the comments and reports of international observers who had noted that the conduct of the 2011 elections was better than the previous ones, urged the President to take steps to address post-election violence and alleged irregularities during the polls.

Ban also spoke on the Jos massacre, Libya and others, which will be published tomorrow in The Guardian.