UN to assist Nigeria’s counter-terrorism war

Urges inclusive governance on Democracy Day

As part of its efforts to assist Nigeria combat terrorism, the United Nations (UN) is to establish two aviation security training schools in Lagos and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

The UN-appointed Project Manager for the proposed schools, Douglas Melvin disclosed this yesterday in Abuja during a courtesy call on the Minister of State for Aviation, Hadi Sirika.

He said the aim was to support Nigeria’s counter-terrorism strategy by addressing a threat posed to civil aviation by terrorist organisations.

The project would be funded by the UN and delivered by the United Kingdom Department of Transportation while Nigeria is expected to participate in the provision of training premises and supply of aviation training equipment, amongst others.

Melvin explained that Nigeria was chosen out of 25 countries.

Sirika lauded the UN for recognising the country’s efforts to nurture a world-class aviation industry and pledged government’s readiness to provide all the infrastructure needed for the effective take-off and operation of the two institutes.

Meanwhile, the UN Secretary-General, Ban Ki-moon has reiterated the need to include everyone in governance irrespective of gender, race, or colour in a democratic society.

Ban, in a message delivered yesterday by the National Information Officer, United Nations Information Centre (UNIC), Lagos, Oluseyi Soremekun at an event to mark the International Day of Democracy said that governments should provide for the basic needs of the people, which are food, shelter, education and healthcare.

People want to live without fear, be able to trust their governments; they want legislations protecting their rights and inclusion in decision-making by all tiers of government, he said.

Speaking on the theme, “Democracy and Sustainable Development,” at an event organised by UNIC Lagos in collaboration with Women in Politics and Government (WINPOGOV), the keynote speaker, Yemisi Ransome-Kuti said women should be allowed equal participation in politics and governance as men.

Ransome-Kuti said in each local council in the country, the government should set identified goals, which are relevant and beneficial to the communities.