President Muhammadu Buhari on Saturday reiterated the need to recharged the shrinking waters of Lake Chad in order to checkmate the environmental disaster along the Lake Chad basin.
He said this at a news conference to wrap up a successful participation during the High-Level Segment of the 71st Session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York.
The president said the need to recharge the shrinking waters of Lake Chad was highlighted with a view to raising awareness and resources for this strategic project.
Buhari said the event also provided an opportunity to outline the steps being taken to address the situation, finding a way forward to deal with the root causes of the problem.
“Also to proffer genuine solutions to the most pressing humanitarian and developmental needs prevalent in the region and seek new commitments from all our friends and development partners in these endeavours.
“The needs are real and very urgent,” the president said.
He explained that no single country and surely not the four most affected countries, could muster the tremendous financial resources that would to turn around the very dire situation of the Lake Chad Region.
According to him, millions of people whose daily livelihood have been placed in jeopardy are depending on their leaders to find succor for them.
“Therefore, I am happy to note that at the end of the event, some countries, notably the UK and the USA, pledged additional financial support in the tune of US$391 million humanitarian aid for the Lake Chad region.
“All in all, it was a very successful outing and I would like to thank the relevant US authorities, who by their efficient coordination of security and administrative arrangements during my stay in New York contributed to its success,” he said.
The President, who also spoke at the US-Africa Business Forum organised, said emphasis was on collaboration to diversify the economy, which will in turn drive development, job creation and ultimately, improve the quality of life of every Nigerian.
He said that in continuation of government’s constructive engagement with the Nigerians in Diaspora, he met with a group of Nigerian Professionals in Diaspora.
The president said they have distinguished themselves in their various fields of specialisation ranging from health, aeronautical engineering, customs, law enforcement, economics, business, law, education to politics.
“I extended an invitation to them to join us in our quest to build and make Nigeria great again.
They in turn expressed a genuine desire to contribute positively to the growth and development of our country.
“Another issue that is very important to our country and our region is drawing international attention to the adverse effects of Climate Change in Nigeria and in our region.
“As you will recall, on December 12, 2015, I joined other World Leaders to conclude what is now called the Paris Agreement on Climate Change.
“On Thursday September 22, I signed that Agreement at the United Nations Headquarters.
“Soon after the signing ceremony, we had an important side event to discuss the issue of Environmental Sustainability.
The president explained that his administration is treating the issue seriously and making genuine efforts to address the negative effects of climate change in order to build a clean and sustainable environment for Nigerians and the future generation.
Buhari also commended the efforts of men and women of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs for demonstrating that ” we still have capable officers in our Foreign and Civil Service.”
“Thank you for your tireless efforts in projecting a positive image of our country.
He also lauded the efforts of the Nigerian media for a positive coverage of his activities.
“You went through elaborate security checks and clearance procedures to follow my activities and hectic schedule in order to keep all our people at home well informed, you also deserve my appreciation,” he said. (NAN)