The United Nations (UN) has once again commended Nigeria for her peace support efforts in Liberia and other parts of the world.
UN Secretary General, Mr Ban Ki-moon, gave the commendation recently in Monrovia, Liberia, during a Medals Presentation Parade in honour of the Commanding Officer, Colonel Obinna Ajunwa and his personnel in Nigerian Battalion (NIBATT) 31 as well as 758 other Nigerian peacekeepers in that country.
Mr Ki-moon who was represented at the occasion by the Special Representative of the Secretary General (SRSG) and Head of the United Nations Mission in Liberia, Ms Karin Landgren, noted with delight that Nigeria’s dedicated participation in UN peacekeeping dates back to as far as 1960 when Nigeria joined the UN operation in the Congo (UNUC) adding that such dedication had continued in Liberia to date.
Acknowledging the presence of a special delegation representing Nigeria’s Chief of Army Staff at the occasion, the Secretary General observed that their presence was another demonstration of the importance the government and people of Nigeria attach to UN Peacekeeping and also to lasting peace and stability in Liberia.
To the peacekeepers Mr. Ki-moon said their constant patrolling, escorts and guard duties have contributed immensely to addressing cross-border challenges that has enhanced stability in Liberia and in the region.
He also commended them for their civil-Military programmes which he said had earned them the trust and respect of the communities they are serving.
The Secretary General also commended the NIBATT 31 for enhancing women participation in their ranks, and expressed hope that they would inspire others to recognise their important contribution to peacekeeping as well as to meet and exceed those numbers.
Leader of the Nigerian delegation, Major General Mohammed Abubakar, on his part conveyed the perception of the President, Commander – In – Chief, Dr Goodluck Jonathan, that he is satisfied with the role the Nigerian Contingent is playing under the auspices of United Nation Mission in Liberia (UNMIL) and the various achievements recorded in the area of peace and security which are vital for the rapid development of Liberia.
General Abubakar noted that ever since the deployment of the Nigerian Contingent in Liberia, it has continued to display the core values of excellence and professionalism in all the various roles that it has been assigned.
He assured them that Nigerian Government was very pleased and proud to be associated with the Contingent as it has continued to bring glory to the nation.
The delegation Leader charged the peacekeepers to remain loyal, dedicated and not compromise for any form of selfish gains.
He further pointed out that Nigeria has had the honour to participate in over 48 peacekeeping missions that cut across Africa, Asia, Middle East, Europe and the Caribean adding that Nigeria will continue to support efforts at improving the Liberian security sector capacity building.
Also speaking at the event, the Commander Nigerian Contingent (NIGCON) and Sector Alpha, Brigadier General Kasimu Abdulkarim, said Nigerian Contingent are highly elated as our individual and collective efforts are being recognized.
Gen Abdulkadir pointed out that Nigerian Contingent in the mission comprised two battalions and the Sector Headquarters staff of 58 personnel, adding that the contingent jointly carries out about 2, 464 patrols monthly.
Highlights of the day’s event were the presentation of medals to the peacekeepers at a parade which had Major Anthony Ozemhoya as its Commander and a Combat Display, while cultural groups of Nigeria’s various ethnic groups entertained spectators in the second part of the day’s programme.
peoplesdailyng
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