President Muhammadu Buhari has congratulated Antonio Guterres on his appointment by the United Nations (UN) General Assembly as the next UN Secretary General, with effect from January 1, next year.

In a statement issued in Abuja yesterday by his Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity, Mallam Garba Shehu, the President noted that Guterres’ wealth of experience as a former Prime Minister of Portugal, head of UN refugee agency for several years, diplomat and a politician of repute, had eminently prepared and qualified him for the position.

He said Nigeria looks forward to working and supporting Guterres to address the world’s most pressing challenges, including winning the war against terrorism and violent extremism for a peaceful and prosperous future, reducing poverty and tackling the devastating effects of climate change and confronting the root causes of migrants and refugee crisis.

The President stated that for the UN to remain relevant in the 21st century, its incoming scribe must redouble efforts and spearhead essential reforms of the world body to enable it effectively address current global challenges.Buhari also congratulated the outgoing Secretary General, Ban Ki-Moon, on his successful tenure and dedicated service to humanity.

He said the world indeed owes a debt of gratitude to Ban for spearheading the Sustainable Development Goals and achieving the historic Paris Agreement on Climate Change, among other laudable achievements.

Buhari acknowledged the roles played by the UN and its agencies in strengthening democracy, good governance and stability in Nigeria, under the leadership of Ban.