By John Ikani
The United Nations (UN) Secretary-General, Antonio Guterres has arrived Maiduguri, the Borno State capital in Nigeria’s northeast as part of his two-day official visit.
The United Nations information center in Nigeria said the Secretary General is expected to meet with the state Governor, Babagana Zulum in Maiduguri, before embarking on a field mission where he will meet families affected by the Boko Haram conflict ravaging the region for more than twelve years.
While noting that the UN boss will interact with surrendered fighters, the center added that he will also evaluate the impact of climate change on vulnerable communities and assess progress made as well as the challenges to the COVID-19 recovery.
The UN Secretary-General will round off his visit with a joint media briefing at Government House Maiduguri, with Governor Babagana Zulum.
Guterres will then head to Nigeria’s capital to meet with President Muhammadu Buhari and Vice President Yemi Osibanjo and other top cabinet officials.
In Abuja, Guterres is expected to officiate a wreath-laying ceremony for victims of the 2011 bombing at the U.N. house and will then meet with young people’s delegates, women, religious leaders and diplomatic communities and journalists.
This is the first official visit of the 9th Secretary-General to Nigeria.
This year, Guterres is focusing on countries affected by terrorism and also highlighting the impact of the Russia-Ukraine war on the African continent.
Mr Guterres had earlier visited Niger republic and will conclude his Ramadan solidarity visit to Africa with a visit to Senegal.
