UN Moves Back To Abuja Office Bombed 8 Years Ago
The United Nations has begun partial movement back to its edifice
in Abuja, Nigeria, eight years after it was bombed by Boko Haram
insurgents.
The UN Resident Coordinator, Edward Kallon , announced the movement
to the building at the celebration of the 73rd UN Day on Wednesday in
Abuja.
Mr. Kallon explained that the UN building built by the Federal
Government was being occupied by the UN agencies in 2005 until the
unfortunate bombing on August 26, 2011.
“The 2018 UN Day is a very important day for the UN system in
Nigeria as it underscores the excellent cooperation and partnership of
the UN and Nigeria over the years.
“Indeed this year’s UN Day also marks the UN family partial move back to the UN House.
“To the UN in Nigeria the UN House is a symbol of the
resilience of our extraordinary cooperation and partnership with the
Government and people of Nigeria,” he explained.
“The 2011 bombing of the UN house was an attack against those who devoted themselves to serving UN values,” according to Mr. Kallon.
He commended the Nigerian Government and its citizens for their
commitment to rebuild the UN House. Mr. Kallon expressed the hope that
the partial movement which he said would begin with UNDP, UNICEF among
others would inspire the staff to work better.
He said that the movement would help the workers build stronger
partnerships and build a better future for the people of Nigeria.
“Let us recommit ourselves, while celebrating the UN Day to
make the world a better place for all, where nobody will be left
behind,” he said.
In a message, the Minister of Federal Capital Territory, FCT,
Mohammed Bello, described the event as significant as it marked the
first time of gathering again at the building after the 2011 bombing of
the building.
The Minister who was represented by Mr. Umar Jubril, an official of
the Ministry said the reopening represented the fulfillment of efforts
to rebuild but to make the UN building better.
“The UN building stands out as the symbol of our resilience and
unbroken promises in addressing various challenges we are facing as a
nation,” he said
Congratulating UN family on the return to the edifice, he assured
them of the FCT’s commitment on security of life and property of all
staff and their families and the institution
“The FCT Administration has worked to improve the security
architecture in the territory to forestall reoccurrence of the last ugly
incidence.”
“We have beefed up security presence in and around the premises and ensure security surveillance around the area.
“We also pledge our commitment to serve as a good host to the
UN family urge your staff to feel welcome in the FCT in which the
ideal,” he said.
The UN building in Abuja, Nigeria was bombed through a car bomb
explosion on Friday, August 26th, 2011 which killed about 21 people and
wounded 60 persons.
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