Nigeria has been commended for its commitment towards the maintenance and restoration of global peace and security.
The commendation was made at the commemoration of the 75th year anniversary of the United Nations Peace Keeping Mission at the United Nations House Abuja, Nigeria’s Capital.
The United Nations Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator, Mr Matthias Schmale, said the international community will forever remain grateful to the military and the Government of Nigeria for their participation in peacekeeping around the globe.
“Now today, we salute again, the courage and selflessness of every Nigerian, Who has served in UN peacekeeping operations uniform or civilian, past or present. I would like to also note that some of our own UN staff and diplomatic colleagues have served as military police or civilian peacekeepers, we honour and thank you amongst those on this day as well.“ He said.
While commending the Nigerian Peacekeepers, Mr Schmale sympathised with the families of the fallen heroes and prayed for them.
“Allow me to say that we have to pay special tribute to brave Nigerian men and women who have lost their lives to the cause of peace. This is dangerous work in the line of duty,” he added.
According to Mr Schmale, “Nigerian peacekeepers have made the ultimate sacrifice in lands far from their own. They remained forever in our thoughts and prayers as do their families.On the 75th anniversary, the challenges facing peacekeepers operator are more complex than ever, Yet despite these obstacles, peacekeepers persevere in pursuit of peace. They are truly the beating heart of our commitment to a better future. We wish as united nations good strength and continued success to the 87,000 UN peacekeepers from many nations currently serving across the world.”
The Special Guest of Honor, Martin Luther Agwai, said Nigeria’s reliability as a global peacemaker and peacekeeper was affirmed.
He recalled some notable occurrences where the Nigerian Army was deployed and how committed they were in their delivery.
“The UN peacekeeping mission in Congo over sixty years ago, one of which was the fierce battle with the ANC at the Bukavu prison to free the detained Australian ambulance team purported to be paratroopers. Few Nigerians were killed, some were injured, but all the prisoners were freed. the leadership role of the Nigerian government played at the critical time following the massacre of Prime Minister Patrice Lumumba. As a result, the Casablanca Bloc of Africa Pulled their troops out of the UN Mission for failure to properly protect the Prime Minister. Nigeria was the one of the African Contingent that stood firmly by the UN.“
General Martin Luther Agwai also explained that the Nigerian troops had in 2017 contributed well over 200,000 troops to UN and regional peacekeeping missions.
“Of a Significant note, Nigerian troops were the Vanguard of the UN Mission in Liberia (UNMIL) from 2003 to 2018 following the Civil war, her exploits and commendable contribution in UNMIL was deeply acknowledged by the International Community and to the glory of Nigeria.”
Nigeria’s Chief of Army Staff, General Lucky Irabor, said “Nigeria is therefore proud to be one of the current among the 13 troop contributing countries and has contributed military police to UN peacekeeping for over 60 years”.
Gen. Irabor, added that the Nigerian government spent $8bn to restore peace in Liberia.
“Since the first engagement of troops of our Armed Forces in the Congo in 1960, Nigeria has been unequivocally committed to the principles and objectives of the United Nations. It has significantly contributed to 41 peacekeeping operations worldwide.Ever since, over 200,000 Nigerian troops have served in UN peacekeeping missions worldwide and Nigerian senior military officers have commanded some of these missions”.
Communities and nations were enjoined to uphold the theme of the commemoration, which is “Peace Begins With Me.”
PIAK
