The United Nations and members of the diplomatic corps on Thursday joined Nigeria to pay tribute to fallen heroes at the Nigerian Armed Forces Remembrance Day.
The UN deputy secretary-general, Amina Mohammed, at the commemoration held at the Nigerian House in New York, commended Nigeria for its leadership role in Africa and globally.
Ms Mohammed said Nigeria remained one of the largest contributors to United Nations peacekeeping operations.
She noted that for decades, Nigerian soldiers had served under the UN flag in some of the world’s most dangerous theatres and as force commanders leading complex peacekeeping missions.
According to her, Nigerian troops are widely recognised for their integrity, respect for the UN mandate, and strong commitment to protecting civilians.
She said the record of Nigerian peacekeepers demonstrated the country’s commitment to peace through action, often far from home.
The UN deputy secretary-general also commended President Bola Tinubu for appointing ambassadors to Nigerian missions abroad.
Ms Mohammed said that since joining the United Nations in 1960, Nigeria had consistently demonstrated its commitment to peace beyond its borders.
She stressed that the commitment was not only to Nigeria’s own security, but also to its neighbours and the wider world.
In his tribute, Nigeria’s defence adviser to the UN, Edward Koleoso, said the fallen soldiers stood firm when others wavered and “placed the survival of our Republic above their own lives”.
He acknowledged that society owes the fallen heroes a debt that can never be fully repaid.
Chargé d’affaires at the Permanent Mission of Nigeria to the UN, Syndoph Endoni, praised the dedication and professionalism of the men and women of the Armed Forces.
(NAN)
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