Nigeria Celebrates 64 Years of UN Membership: A Legacy of Peace and Cooperation

Denmark Envoy Hails Nigeria as Champion of Global Peace

“There are ugly trends in Nigeria, but let's celebrate the good ones. Nigeria remains the big brother to African nations...”

Celebrate Nigeria's 64 years of UN membership. Learn how the country promotes peace, stability, and development in Africa and globally.

His Eminence Ambassador Per Stafsen, World Peace President from Denmark, has commended Nigeria for its significant contributions to global peace and stability. Speaking in Abuja on the 64th anniversary of Nigeria's United Nations membership, Ambassador Stafsen acknowledged Nigeria's vital role in promoting peace throughout Africa and the world.

Ambassador Stafsen, who has been leading the International Association of World Peace Advocates since 2012, emphasized the importance of Nigeria's continued involvement in peace initiatives within the African Union, Economic Community of West African States, and the United Nations. As a renowned peace advocate, Ambassador Stafsen's endorsement underscores Nigeria's potential as a key player in fostering global harmony.

Nigeria's Role in Global Peace

Peace Stability: Nigeria's contributions to peace stability throughout Africa and the world have been recognized by Ambassador Per Stafsen.

African Union (AU) and ECOWAS: Nigeria is urged to continue its peace initiatives within these organizations.

United Nations (UN) Membership: Nigeria has been a member of the UN for 64 years, highlighting its long-standing commitment to global cooperation .

Ambassador Stafsen's appreciation for Nigeria's efforts serves as a testament to the country's potential in promoting peace and stability worldwide.

Per Stafsen is encouraging Nigeria to keep playing a key role in promoting peace and stability within three major organizations: the African Union (AU), the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), and the United Nations (UN). This means Nigeria should continue to be a driving force in peace initiatives, conflict resolution, and security cooperation among AU and ECOWAS member states, as well as contribute to global peace efforts through the UN.

Key Areas for Nigeria's Peace Efforts:

Regional Stability: Nigeria should maintain its commitment to peacebuilding and conflict prevention within the West African region, particularly through ECOWAS.

Global Cooperation: As a key player in the UN, Nigeria should continue to participate in international peacekeeping missions and promote global security.

African Unity: Through the AU, Nigeria can foster greater cooperation and unity among African nations, promoting peace and stability across the continent.

By continuing to prioritize peace initiatives, Nigeria can solidify its position as a leader in regional and global security, ultimately contributing to a more peaceful and stable world.

Ambassador Professor Chidi Ehiriado, International Director of the Association of World Peace Advocates, has recognized Nigeria as a global leader in promoting peace amidst adversity. Despite facing numerous challenges, Nigeria has made significant contributions to peace efforts through various means, including deploying personnel, leveraging resources, engaging academia, and harnessing African religious values.

Ehiriado expressed optimism that Nigeria will overcome its current economic struggles and rise to greater heights. The country's commitment to peace is evident in its participation in international organizations and initiatives, such as the United Nations, the African Union, and the Economic Community of West African States. Nigeria's efforts to promote peace and stability have been acknowledged globally, with organizations like the Institute for Peace and Conflict Resolution playing a vital role in maintaining social cohesion.

Additional Key Areas of Nigeria's Peace Efforts:

Peacebuilding: Nigeria has been actively involved in peacebuilding initiatives, particularly in African regions.

Religious Harmony: The country has promoted interfaith dialogue and understanding, recognizing the importance of religion in African culture.

International Cooperation: Nigeria collaborates with global organizations to address conflicts and promote peace.

Economic Development: Ehiriado emphasized the need for economic growth to overcome current challenges and achieve lasting peace.

He said, “Africa occupies a pride of place in the world. Looking at Nigeria since it joined the United Nations in 1960, I couldn't celebrate Nigeria's independence owing to the present situation affecting almost everybody, including me.

“There are ugly trends in Nigeria, but let's celebrate the good ones. Nigeria remains the big brother to African nations. We have never abandoned any African country. We have assisted them economically with all our resources.”

Nigeria marked its 64th anniversary as a United Nations member with a significant milestone - the launch of the United Nations Association of Africa (UNA AFRICA). This new initiative aims to strengthen regional cooperation and promote peace. To kick-start its mission, UNA AFRICA appointed various individuals to key positions and recognized others for their outstanding contributions to peace in the region.

Some notable leaders in the United Nations Association of Nigeria (UNAN), which could potentially be part of UNA AFRICA, include:

• Joan Agha, President of UNAN, bringing over 32 years of experience from renowned institutions
• Ijeoma Otuodichinma Nweke, Vice President, with a strong background in health education and women's empowerment 
• Dr. Omopeju Afanu, Secretary General, with expertise in project management, finance, and administration 
• These individuals, along with others, will play crucial roles in promoting peace, sustainable development, and humanitarian efforts in Africa.

Engr. Michael Friday, alongside former President Olusegun Obadanjo and other notable personalities, was recently honored by the Nigerian Non-Governmental Literacy Support Services (NOGALSS) for his tireless efforts in promoting literacy and empowerment in Nigeria. Upon receiving the award, Engr. Friday addressed journalists, emphasizing the significance of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). He stated, “If you look at the programme of today, it's about the UN Sustainable Development Goal which focuses on the development of Africa and the whole world.”

In essence, Engr. Friday highlighted the importance of the SDGs in driving development and progress across Africa and globally. The SDGs, a set of 17 goals, aim to promote peace, prosperity, and a healthy planet for all. They encompass various aspects, including:

Economic Growth: Promoting sustained, inclusive, and sustainable economic growth, full and productive employment, and decent work for all.

Education: Ensuring inclusive and equitable quality education and promoting lifelong learning opportunities.

Peace and Justice: Promoting peaceful and inclusive societies, providing access to justice for all, and building effective, accountable, and inclusive institutions.

Engr. Friday's dedication to literacy and empowerment aligns with these goals, demonstrating his commitment to contributing to the betterment of Nigeria and the world at large.

“By the special grace of God, having been honored in this light, I will work with the United Nations, the Nigerian government, and all other UN organizations to make sure that Nigeria attains the sustainable development goals which is set to end by 2030. We just have barely five six years to go now. So we'll go back to the field to see what we can do for the nation.”

Nigeria recently celebrated its membership in the United Nations, marking the occasion with a convergence of national and international organizations, donor agencies, and diplomatic corps members. The theme of the event, “Dissecting Nigeria foreign policies towards United Nations we need Africa we want,” highlights the country's commitment to global cooperation and African unity.

Nigeria's membership in the UN is particularly significant, given its swift admission just seven days after gaining independence on October 1, 1960. This milestone underscores the country's dedication to playing an active role in international affairs and promoting peace and development globally.

Nigeria's UN Membership: A Historical Context

Nigeria became the 99th member of the United Nations on October 7, 1960, following its independence from British rule. Since then, the country has been an active participant in UN activities, contributing to peacekeeping missions and promoting sustainable development.

The United Nations in Nigeria

The UN has maintained a strong presence in Nigeria, supporting the country's development aspirations and addressing various challenges, including humanitarian crises and development deficits. The UN's efforts in Nigeria are guided by the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the African Union's Agenda 2063.