Former Senate President Bukola Saraki encouraged Nigerians to pray fervently for the country and its leaders.
The former Kwara State governor prayed God to guide ‘leaders with wisdom and compassion to make decisions that will bring prosperity, peace, and development to our beloved Nigeria’.
Former Senate President Abubakar Bukola Saraki on Wednesday lauded Nigerians on the anniversary of the June 12 Democracy Day.
Saraki in a post on hi X handle in the micro blogging site, however urged Nigerians to work to build a cleaner, more transparent, and accountable democracy that will be celebrated by future generations.
The post reads: “Thirty-one years ago, Chief MKO Abiola said a few powerful words that still ring true today: ‘Only real democracy can move our nation forward towards progress and earn her the respect she deserves from the international community.’
“Thirty-one years later, as we pause to commemorate the significance of these words in the context of the annulment of the June 12th, 1993, General Election – which marked a credible and peaceful demonstration of Nigeria’s democratic will – we are reminded that true democracy is achievable, but it demands constant vigilance and participation.
“Today, as we celebrate #DemocracyDay – reflecting on over two decades of civilian rule – we are equally reminded that our journey toward a truly democratic society is far from complete.
“In this regard, as we honour the past, holding firm to the memory of those revered patriots who paid the ultimate sacrifice, let us honour their legacies in the present by working to build a cleaner, more transparent, and accountable democracy that will be celebrated by future generations.”
President of the 8th Senate, Dr Abubakar Bukola Saraki has hailed the Supreme Court judgement, which overturned the Federal High Court’s 2018 decision regarding an alleged N3.5 billion fraud case against Melrose General Services Limited.
Saraki said the judgement vindicates his earlier stance that the case was politically motivated and a veiled attempt to witch-hunt him because he emerged as President of the Senate against the wishes of certain forces during the Muhammadu Buhari administration.
The former Senate President stated this on Friday, June 7, in a statement signed by his Head of Media, Alhaji Yusuph Olaniyonu, and made available to newsmen in Abuja after the Supreme Court judgment.
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) had on April 27, 2018, secured judgment for the final forfeiture of N1.4billion which it claimed a firm, Melrose General Services Limited, obtained from the Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF) through false claims.
Melrose is allegedly linked to the then Senate President, Saraki, who was facing a political battle with some highly placed personalities within the Muhammadu Buhari-led All Progressive Congress, APC, government.
Dissatisfied with the verdict of Justice Cecilia Olatoregun, and the Court of Appeal which in May 2019, resolved the four contentious issues in favour of the EFCC, Melrose General Services approached the Supreme Court for redress, asking it to set aside the pronouncement of the lower courts.
Delivering judgment on Friday, June 7, the Supreme Court panel led by Justice Akomaye Agim(SC 1519/2019) set aside the judgments of the lower courts and ruled in favour of the appellant, Melrose General Services.
Reacting to the judgement on his handle on the social media platform, X, Saraki said the ruling has revealed the truth and affirms his earlier position of innocence.
The former Chairman of the NGF stated that the legal suit was a proxy war, aimed at persecuting him, undermining his political career, and tarnishing his reputation.
“As much as this case was between the EFCC and Melrose General Services Limited, it was a proxy war, with Melrose serving as a mere pawn in a larger scheme to victimise and persecute me. It was always clear that this case was a thinly veiled attempt by the Buhari administration to weaponise the legal system for political gain.
“The allegations of “Paris Club Fraud” were nothing more than a smokescreen designed to weaken the institution of my office, undermine my political career, and tarnish my reputation through spurious accusations similar to the Code of Conduct Tribunal, which also acquitted me of all charges.
“As I said in my first appearance at the CCT, this is a politically motivated case. The case was trumped up in the first instance because I emerged as the President of the Senate against the wishes of certain forces.
“The fact that this case was even brought to court, based on dubious evidence and procedural irregularities, is proof of the length that some people will go to manipulate the legal system for political gain. It was a disservice to the Nigerian people and a waste of our limited but valuable judicial resources,” Saraki said.
I read a piece by one Ibraheem Abdullateef, an SSA on Communication to the Kwara State Governor, Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq. I did with interest, disrelish and bewilderment. The write-up, he proclaimed was in reaction to a particular programme in which “some Kwarans took over the media with salacious tales of how Senator Saraki wined and dined with them.” He then digressed by forming an opinion of the person of President of the 8th Senate, Dr Abubakar Bukola Saraki. Interesting because he, like his stock, couldn’t stomach their sheepish nature, following the aura radiating from the homecoming of the former Senate President.
Bewildered because it was needless, ill-timed and reprehensible. As I made to pen this piece, I took my time to read Abdullateef’s write-up the second time, yet it made no sense to me, other than a marriage of alphabetical letters, words and sentences. I did share with a good friend in the media space, who I know to be downright objective and unabashedly appreciative of the good and rational piece. The WhatsApp ticks showed doubled and turned blue, but he didn’t even get back. That’s quite unusual. I then prodded him further after several hours, to which he crisply responded: “Lacks focus. Disrespectful. Sorry, I couldn’t even read beyond midway.” He then ended it with three similar emojis, indicating disgust.
Perhaps I should state further and clearly that such was truly unwarranted during this period of Ramadan fasting and piety. It’s been a season when many are immersed in prayers, shows of love, acts of forgiveness, bonding and sharing. To have chosen this virtuous season to put up the garbage of thought with the failed intent to throw jabs and denigrate a statesman is beyond the pale. Sadly but matter-of-factly, this is the inexorable reality of having juveniles in positions of authority. Yes, you might be adjudged brilliant by your peers and could have graduated with honours. It still doesn’t confer on you the administrative acumen, leadership prowess, sound behavioural conduct and maturity required of some sensitive positions, lest, you tend to act unruly, denigrate the office, and bring disrepute to the organization – in this case, the government – that you represent.
Abdullateef cannot be blamed in isolation though. This is a vivid indication of bad leadership, where subordinates err rascally with no principal close by to check the excesses. But what do we do? Have we assurances of a change bear in the few years when Malam Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq still has to spend in the saddle? Only time will tell.
That was just by the way. I perhaps, would have ignored it because it’s not worth the response. However, I like to make certain clarifications regarding the person of H.E Dr Abubakar Bukola Saraki. And in the spirit of Ramadan and reverence for the season, this will be as courteous as possible. After all, some of us still cherish our moral upbringing to know that politics should not blindfold you so much that you lose every sense of reasoning and respect for elders and statesmen. Like it or not, Abubakar Bukola Saraki is a blessing and pride to Kwara state. I understand it’s something his political adversaries hate to admit. May I also state that the Sarakis are already made as a family, rooted as a political dynasty and ABS as an individual. In all humility, Saraki looms so large politically beyond Kwara and is highly recognized at the national level. Till today, he remains one of the leading national unifiers and most charismatic political office holders in Nigeria. His record as President of the Senate – despite the odds during his days – still reverberates in the hallowed chamber. It is important to note that his regular homecoming is purely a testimony of his undiluted love for his people and in fulfilment of his commitment to serve the people either in or out of office.
Indeed, many would have doubted the likelihood of seeing a Saraki maintain devotion to Kwarans since he left office.
It is disheartening to many that the man they labelled “bossy” has been able to sustain the family tradition to sacrifice for the people and at a time like this, fulfil the commandment of his Creator and the principles of Prophet Mohammed (SAW) who command us to share with love and break fast with brethren. It’s laughable for the writer to reason that “he ate with them on the same chair, shook hands and took selfies after the meal.” And so? Was that supposed to be news? Has Saraki always dined and wined with ghosts? What exactly is new? Abdullateef was obviously making mountains out of molehills, perhaps in the absence of nothing tangible to say. It’s one of the most ludicrous things I’ve read in recent years. It’s no surprise anyway; came as a shock, but not a rude shock, the Social Judgement Theory presupposes that people come into an argument with preconceived positions. Such are thus, deafened to logic.
Life has also taught us that reactions like this are offshoots of spite. That article was all that was needed to prove that “Saraki indeed stole the show,” to the dissatisfaction of those he never even noticed. It is amazing that a man after how many years out of office has never for once ceased to render services to humanity. That obviously is the crux of their resentment. One of the most hilarious things I hear now and then is this anthem about how ‘O to ge’ ousted the Saraki dynasty. Whatever happened at the polls that year was nothing unexpected. Saraki knew he was warring against the federal might at the time and knew the consequences. He knew the odds before him, but the valiant stood his ground and made the bold and unfavourable choice. Where others chickened out, Saraki dared the consequences. He could have danced to their tune and sacrificed the people’s mandate to remain in the saddle. But he decided to sacrifice his electoral victory for personal political uprightness and justice. He still pays the price today, but he has never lived in regret. It is therefore preposterous that some group of political light-weights delights in taking the glory. They delight in self-deceit and fantasize about a non-existent political clout. Nothing, I mean nothing can dwarf the fortunes of the Sarakis.
The Iftar programme hosted by Saraki was to feed the people and share love among residents. That Saraki held the Iftar as a private citizen is commendable and one can not condemn those who chose to narrate their experiences during the age-long family tradition. Perhaps the writer was too young to know and was not told that the Sarakis are known for generous acts such as this. Should Gov Abdulrazaq’s aide care to understand the element and the various entities surrounding the acts, to sane people, it’s an act of worship, Ibadah. All that talk about image laundering is nothing but a figment of his imagination.
He talked about, “Humility being a lifestyle.” He added, “Five years after, not only has Abdulrazaq been steady and consistent.” He made me ‘chuckle in Arabic’. For a group of people that parroted the Governor carrying his bag by himself and praying outside of the Central Mosque in an attempt to evade the Palace, do you have the right to say one group is embarking on image laundering? When was the last time the Governor carried his bag, prayed outside, or queued at the airport? After all, we know how much Kwara has exhausted on chartered flights under Gov. Abdulrazaq. For months, the Governor’s humility was the sole thing that was sold to the public, not his previous records as a private sector actor or any previous success or office achievements because there were none. His antecedents were erased completely and no new record of achievements for almost five years in government!
A couple of weeks ago, Abdulwasiu Tejidini, an appointee of the Kwara State Governor, described him as not being different from Prophet Muhammed. Such a description was close to insanity and was never treated as such. Such are the traits of political nuisances and sycophants. Unlike Tejidini, an appointee of Governor Abdulrazaq, those who hosted the Iftar programme on the radio were not even Saraki’s aides or his political party executives.
As an admirer of the former Senate President, before being appointed as SSA on Communications to the incumbent Governor, one should ask exactly what was it that endeared the writer towards him, and what has changed now? Was it such useless tales that drove your admiration or the qualities and excellence he offered in leadership? Forgive me for asking what has changed, I forgot back then, you were little and a nobody but today, you are an SSA.
You didn’t ask for my two cents, but let me give you anyway; do not be overzealous. Whenever you write, take your time to read to yourself and ask yourself this simple but candid question: “If I’m in a public foray where those concerned are present, can I confidently say this that I’ve typed to the gathering?” If you cannot, then you have not communicated. You have only wasted your precious time and dignity. It’s the season of magnanimity and I give you that free of charge. Let me leave with this categorical clarification, that Saraki as a leader does not force people to follow, he only invites the people on a journey.
Abdulyekeen Mohd Bashir writes from Bola-Ige Junction, Off Liberty Junction, Oke Ado, Ibadan.
I didn’t even see this coming. The day a politician doing iftar with his followers will become a talkshow on radio and former senate president Senator Bukola Saraki will become a gateman in Kwara. But “the come has come to become,” apologies to late 1st republic minister and nationalist Kingsley Ozumba Mbadiwe, and it is a comedy of comedies.
Over the course of the week, some members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) took over the media with salacious tales of how Senator Saraki wined and dined with them. They said he ate with them on the same chair, shook hands and took selfies after the meal, and therefore, was no demon as was being painted in the media. In his rather Oscar-deserving praise singing errand, a certain Mudashir Babaita said he could not believe his eyes when he saw Saraki standing at the gate to usher visitors in.
Before I get into the kernel of this piece, I must commend Senator Saraki for two things. One, it is very good he continues to come home for this annual ritual to eat and dine with the people. After all since he left office, his successor has largely been on self-imposed exile — and it now takes an EFCC arrest for him to know God and the way home. Two, it is good Saraki makes no pretence of this year’s fete to be a pure image laundry stunt. Did I hear you ask how did I know? Read my lips: forget that one, _osiso_. But it is better late than never.
Due to the histrionics of opening gate probably for the first time in his life, a certain Babaita think he is human after all. It matters less to his logic that if he never saw him did routine things like sharing tables and embraces with his followers in the last twenty years, it goes more to confirm the ‘media reports’ about him than his tales by moonlight. Like others behind the #IftarWithSaraki radio jabberwocky, they understand less that the fact that they have to pay heavily for airtime to paint him as an angel is a confirmation that he’s overly bossy and had things to hide.
The thing about image laundering is that you mostly need it to conceal unpleasant characteristics of the subject to make it more acceptable, or overstate a bright patch to represent its whole existence. Interestingly, it works little on those who come in close contact with the subject or experience it.
In the case of a person like Saraki, what do you tell a woman whose misguided child pick up guns and die in defence of his political cause? Or a forebear of any of the chiefs that matched and queued under the sun to receive a foreign musician? Or those who had to crawl to court his favours and those who were shut out of opportunities because they could not kiss his feet?
So, there are few issues with this comedy, or sorry iftar laundry. The first problem is that lies do not outlast the truth, and second is humility is not a show, it is a lifestyle. Have these launderers accept the truth yet? And is a 61-year-old Saraki ready for a new life?
These are some of the issues with “gateman” Saraki story. It is all good if they don’t rubbish the experience people had with him. Kwarans didn’t tell lies against no one. Majority of the people across age groups, including former aides and allies could not be wrong. What about those from outside the state who have had to work with him? After all, to err is human, to forgive is divine. Instead of brandishing him a new child, with no sins and no history, they could just say here is our leader, a former arrogant, power-drunk, desperate politician who has now changed eighth years after O’to ge wrecked his dynasty. You would not be lying. You would not be wrong.
We also need to come to one more realisation. And Sarakites need to own up here. Sarakites have not only gotten the memo from Kwarans that they would not accept less than dignity and respect from no one. They have also realised that Governor AbdulRazaq got remarkably popular with the people because of his calmness, frugality, and humility — and that has remained unchanging after about five years in office. How can they level up, I am thinking they wondered. Enters the “gateman” at iftar story. But when will they acknowledge and credit AbdulRazaq for this charismatic style of leadership instead of jumping the processes and beginning the show? There is the hypocrisy.
Hardly had he settled into office before he began to show he was a man not afraid to mix up with the people, a leader who could break bread with them anywhere. He made the rounds to various mosques on Fridays to say prayers, and flew same plane with them carrying his own bags. These were unprecedented in the history of the state and it didn’t take long before they dubbed him fake, an artiste. Five years after, not only has AbdulRazaq been steady and consistent, his style has seemingly become the model for leadership Sarakites cherish and now wished their leader Senator Bukola Saraki were known with. But when will they own up and acknowledge this? Never. And I understand them. It is enough if our people ultimately get leaders that respect and court their honour instead of the old way of lording over them.
I only have one worry. Humility is a lifestyle. If Saraki makes a show of it by acting gateman and chef, can he make it an art? We shall see.
Abdullateef is Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Communications.
The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has arrested a notorious armed robbery suspect, One Chinonso Nwakpo, 32, after a foiled armed robbery attempt near Holy Ghost axis of Ogui Road in Enugu metropolis.
The NSCDC operatives recovered locally made pistol and expended catridge.
Announcing the arrest on Monday in Enugu, the NSCDC Command Public Relations Officer, SC Emmanuel Nwatu, said that Nwakpo was arrested on Sunday by gallant officers conducting routine patrol in Ogui Road axis of Enugu.
Nwatu, who is a SP of Corps, said that the notorious suspect hailed from Ohaukwu Local Government Area of Ebonyi.
“The suspect was intercepted while attempting to deprive a lady of her handset (mobile phone) and other valuables.
“The swift response of the victim, who promptly raised an alarm and sought assistance, led to the apprehension of the suspect by vigilant NSCDC operatives conducting routine patrols in the vicinity.
“Upon apprehension, the suspect was found in possession of incriminating evidence, including a locally made pistol and an expended cartridge.
“During interrogation, the suspect mentioned an individual named Onyebuchi, currently at large, as the source of the firearm.”
The NSCDC spokesman said further investigation uncovered that the suspect and his syndicate frequently operated within the Abakpa and Ogui axis.
According to him, it has been verified that the suspects, Nwakpo and his accomplices, have been under surveillance by law enforcement agencies for several months within the state.
The Commandant of NSCDC, Mr Cyprian Otoibhi, emphasised the commitment of the command to ensure the safety and security of all residents within Enugu State.
“The state NSCDC boss also warned criminal elements that the full force of the law will be applied without hesitation.
“The commandant urges citizens to remain vigilant and cooperative with security agencies by providing timely and actionable intelligence, thereby facilitating the apprehension of criminals and the preservation of public safety.
“The state commandant also lauded the NSCDC Commandant-General, Dr Ahmed Audi, for supporting the Enugu State Command in its operations, which is yielding results already,” he said. (NAN)
It was a brainstorming session last Saturday when stakeholders and top business magnates met at Angola-Nigeria Diplomatic-Business Investment organised by the Angola-Nigeria Business Council.
Notable personalities that spoke at the event held at the prestigious Radisson Blu, Victoria Island, Lagos include Nigeria’s former President, Olusegun Obasanjo; Former Senate President, Olusola Saraki; notable businesswoman and architect, Princess Fifi Ejindu; Former Minister of Culture, Tourism and National Orientation, Edem Duke; Former Executive Director of the Nigerian Export Promotion Council and Secretary of the National Action Committee of AFCFTA, Nigeria, Segun Awolowo; Vice President of the Council, Engineer Antonio dos Santos Domingos, among several others.
The former President, Obasanjo called for increased bilateral relations between Nigeria and Angola.
Obasanjo, who was also a special guest of honour at the event, called for enhanced collaboration between the two countries.
He said there was a need to boost trade volume within Africa, which reflects a commitment to advancing economic partnerships on the continent.
The former President advised that attention should be on African countries’ benefits from their products, as it aligns with the goal of promoting intra-African trade and economic self-sufficiency.
He expressed concerns about infrastructural deficits, particularly in transportation and highlighted the challenges that needed to be addressed to facilitate seamless trade between nations.
“One of the things the leaders of the post-independence achieved is to promote the African Continental Free Trade Agreement (AFCFTA),” he said.
Also, the Secretary of the National Action Committee of AFCFTA, Nigeria, Olusegun Awolowo, said the lack of Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) between Nigeria and Angola underscored the untapped potential for economic engagement between the two largest oil exporters in Africa.
“Sadly, there is no Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) between Nigeria and Angola. This means trade between the two biggest oil exporters is zero, and this is not good enough.
“Angola is importing from the rest of the world what it can actually get from Nigeria and Nigeria doing likewise, we should trade between ourselves.
“Comparatively, we supply what they don’t have and they also supply what we don’t have. Former President Obasanjo has mentioned some areas that need more collaboration.
“It’s true we have some infrastructural deficits which both government and the private organisations can also latch on to invest,” he said.
Speaking on the efforts to address trade barriers and streamline visa processes, the President of the Angola-Nigeria Business Council, Fifi Ejindu, called for a positive step toward fostering smoother trade ties between Nigeria and Angola.
According to her, the support from Angolan government authorities further reinforces the potential for progress in this regard.
Ejindu said that the engagement of Nigerian investors and the anticipated business activations in Angola indicated growing interest and participation in the trade initiatives discussed.
Armando Manuel, a former Minister of Finance in Angola, said that a positive assessment of the recent diplomatic-business investment meeting signaled the fruitful nature of the discussions and the potential for tangible outcomes in the near future.
“We are awaiting Nigerian investors to come to Angola because we already have the expertise in various sectors.
Saraki, who is also a patron of the council, encouraged that stakeholders of the council in Angola and Nigeria should walk the talk and commence action immediately to encourage investment between the two countries.
A Federal High Court (FHC), Abuja, on Tuesday, adjourned two separate suits filed by former Senate President, Bukola Saraki, against the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and others.
Justice Inyang Ekwo, in a short ruling, said the adjournment was to await the report of the Court of Appeal on application for stay of proceedings filed by the ex-lawmaker.
Upon resumed hearing, Saraki’s lawyer, Tunde Afe-Babalola, SAN, informed that he had a pending application for stay of proceedings filed on July 30, 2021..
He said all the parties had been served and that they were ready to proceed.
The judge then asked whether the motion for relisting had been taken.
“Yes, we filed a stay at the Court of Appeal,” he responded.
But the EFCC’s counsel, Christopher Mshelia, who said he was not sure if the commission had been served, said he was not ready for today’s hearing.
Ekenma Okafor, who appeared for Code of Conduct Bureau (CCB), said his client had not been served.
“I remember on one of the sittings, the counsel appearing for the applicant had given the court his word that he is withdrawing their appeal.
“We are surprised with this development,” Okafor said.
Afe-Babalola, who said he was not aware of Okafor’s information, said the important thing was that the motion was pending.
“If you had filed a stay at the Court of Appeal, why did you also file a stay here?
“If I grant you stay here, have I not done their duty at the Court of Appeal?” the judge asked.
Justice Ekwo, therefore, said he would give Afe-Babalola a date to enable him to sort himself out at the Court of Appeal and report back.
The matter was then adjourned until April 18 for report of proceedings at the Court of Appeal.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Justice Ekwo had, on Jan. 25, 2023, struck out the suits for lack of diligent prosecution.
After the suits were struck out, Saraki file an application to relist the cases.
The motion on notice seeking an order of re-listing the suits was dated Feb. 1, 2023 and filed Feb. 3, 2023 by Sunday Onubi from Afe Babalola & Co Law Firm.
NAN reports that Saraki, the applicant, had filed the suits marked: FHC/ABJ/CS/507/2019 and FHC/ABJ/CS/508/2019 at the FHC.
In the suits, the Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF), Inspector-General (I-G) of Police and State Security Service (SSS) are 1st to 3rd defendants.
Others are EFCC, Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) and CCB as 4th to 6th respondents respectively.
The ex-senate president had filed the suits following the EFCC’s decision in 2019 to probe Saraki’s earnings between 2003 and 2011 when he was governor of Kwara.
The anti-graft commission was reported to have seized some of his houses in the Ikoyi area of Lagos then.
However, Saraki, on May 10, 2019, filed the two separate suits before retired Justice Taiwo Taiwo to challenge the action of the EFCC.
Justice Taiwo, who was the presiding judge then, ruled on an ex-parte application filed along with the substantive suits.
The judge ordered the anti-corruption agency (4th respondent) and the other five respondents to the suits to stay action on the probe pending the hearing and determination of the motion on notice filed by the applicant.
The order was granted after Sunday Onubi, Saraki’s lawyer, moved the application, on May 14, 2019.
The court had directed the parties to maintain the status quo by suspending the probe.
But the EFCC later applied that the judge should recuse himself and the matter be transferred to another court.
Justice Taiwo sent back the case file to the chief judge and the matter was reassigned to Justice Anwuli Chikere for adjudication.
When the matter came up on July 14, 2021 before Justice Chikere, EFCC Counsel, Chile Okoronkwo, complained that Taiwo’s order had hindered the agency “from performing its duty for about two years now.”
The lawyer, who stated that Saraki continued to hinge on the order of the court any time he is invited, urged the court to vacate the order.
But the suits were reassigned to Justice Ekwo following the retirement of Chikere.(NAN)
Former Emir of Kano, Sanusi Lamido Sanusi; Group chairman, Heirs Holdings, Tony Elumelu; wife of the former Senate President, Dr. Toyin Saraki and a host of others have arrived for the 78th session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York.
The theme of the UNGA is: “Rebuilding trust and Reigniting global solidarity: Accelerating action on the 2030 Agenda and its Sustainable Development Goals towards peace, prosperity, progress and sustainability for all.”
Our correspondent also sighted some other eminent Nigerians including music artiste Yemi Alade; Disc Jockey (DJ), Florence Otedola, also known as DJ Cuppy; Popular poet and writer, Ms. Karimot Odebode; Special representative of the United Nations (UN) secretary general for Sustainable Energy For All (SEforALL) Damilola Ogunbiyi.
Sanusi attended a film screening: The Agreement, the making of the SDGs and a panel of discussion with UN Deputy Secretary General, Amina Mohammed.
Yemi Alade also performed at the opening of the SDG Action weekend as GoodWill Ambassador for the UNDP.
Elumelu also met with Liberia’s President George Weah while Dr. Toyin participated in SDG Action Weekend.
UNGA 78 opened on Tuesday, 5 September, with the high-level debate beginning on Tuesday, 19 September.
The 78th session also marks the half-way point to the deadline set for achieving the 2030 Agenda and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
At the SDG Summit, on 18 and 19 September, leaders will review the implementation of the 2030 Agenda and the 17 SDGs.
The General Assembly’s high-level debate runs from Tuesday 19 September to Saturday 23 September, and resumes for one day on Tuesday 26 September.
The city’s Department of Transportation had issued a gridlock alert with extensive street closures from Monday through Friday.
