By Temitope Mustapha.
Nigeria’s President, Bola Ahmed Tinubu has called for an end to poverty of nations saying Africa does not wish to replace old shackles with new ones.
The Nigerian leader also said the pillage of one nation’s resources by the overreach of firms and people of stronger nations must end
President Tinubu said these while delivering his inaugural speech at the 78th United Nations General Assembly in New York.
He called for the respect of Africans adding that the beautiful, generous and forgiving planet must also be protected.
“To keep faith with the tenets of this world body and the theme of this year’s Assembly, the poverty of nations must end.
“The pillage of one nation’s resources by the overreach of firms and people of stronger nations must end. The will of the people must be respected. This beautiful, generous and forgiving planet must be protected.
“We seek to be neither appendage nor patron. We do not wish to replace old shackles with new ones. Instead, we hope to walk the rich African soil and live under the magnificent African sky free of the wrongs of the past and clear of their associated encumbrances. We desire a prosperous, vibrant democratic living space for our people.”
On climate change which has severe impacts on Nigeria and Africa, President Tinubu said that African nations will fight climate change but must do so on their terms.
“In fundamental ways, nature has been kind to Africa, giving abundant land, resources and creative and industrious people. Yet, man has too often been unkind to his fellow man and this sad tendency has brought sustained hardship to Africa’s doorstep.”
He added that to achieve the needed popular consensus, the campaign on climate change must accord with overall economic efforts.
“Northern Nigeria is hounded by desert encroachment on once-arable land. Our south is pounded by the rising tide of coastal flooding and erosion. In the middle, the rainy season brings floods that kill and displace multitudes.
He commiserated with Morocco and Libya over the loss of lives and property which affected the countries due to the effects of climate change.
The Nigerian leader further stated that Nigeria will build political consensus by highlighting remedial actions that would promote economic good and projects such as a Green Wall to stop desert encroachment, halting the destruction of forests across the country by mass production and distribution of gas burning stoves, and providing employment in local water management and irrigation projects.
President Tinubu added that continental efforts regarding climate change would register important victories if established economies were more forthcoming with public and private sector investment for Africa’s preferred initiatives.
He however emphasises that Nigeria’s objectives accord with peace, security, human rights and development, the guiding principles of UNGA.
