PRESS RELEASES

President Muhammadu Buhari will depart Abuja, Sunday, September 18, for New York, United States to attend the annual meeting of world leaders, the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA77).

The theme for the 77th session which opened on Tuesday, September 13 is: “A watershed Moment: Transformative Solutions to Interlocking Challenges.”

Key topics of discussion at the UNGA this year include; the war in Ukraine, the energy crisis, climate action, ending the Covid-19 pandemic, and a special Transforming Education Summit.

Buhari will take his turn to deliver the National Statement on the second day of the General Debates on Wednesday, September 21.   

Aside his Statement, the President will also participate in High Level meetings and side events including the Nigeria International Economic Partnership Forum (NIEPF), convened by Nigeria in partnership with the Business Council for International Understanding (BCIU); Strengthening Coordination through National Humanitarian Development Peace (NHDP) Framework: A practical approach to sustainable durable solutions to ensure no one is left behind, organised by the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development; and the EFCC-NEPAD Programme on combating Illicit Financial Flows.

Buhari will also hold strategic bilateral meetings with World Leaders, renowned investors and heads of multinational organisations while in New York.

On the entourage of the President are the First Lady, Aisha Buhari, some Governors, Ministers and top government officials.

The President is expected back in the country on Monday, September 26.

In another development, Vice-President Yemi Osinbajo departed Nigeria on Saturday for London to represent Nigeria at the funeral of Queen Elizabeth II.

The monarch, who died on September 8 at the age of 96, is scheduled to be buried on Monday.

In a statement issued on Saturday afternoon, Laolu Akande, senior special assistant on media to Osinbajo, said the vice-president is also expected to hold a bilateral meeting with James Cleverly, UK foreign secretary. 

“Vice President Yemi Osinbajo will be representing Nigeria at a number of events tomorrow and Monday, during the State funeral for the late Queen Elizabeth ll of the United Kingdom,” the statement reads. 

“Ahead of the service, the Vice President will be among guests and dignitaries to be received by King Charles lll and Queen Consort Camilla, at a reception in Buckingham Palace on Sunday. Earlier on that day, the VP will hold a bilateral meeting with the UK Foreign Secretary, James Cleverly.”

Osinbajo is expected back in Nigeria on Monday after the funeral.