United Nations Day: Celebrating Nigeria's resilience

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00:00October 24th, United Nations Day. This year marks 80 years since the UN's founding in 1945,

00:09a global call for peace, human rights, and progress. Today, we honor this mission through

00:16Nigeria's journey, a nation of unyielding strength, scarred by tragedy, yet leading Africa's charge

00:24for a brighter future. Nigeria joined the UN in 1960, days after independence, becoming a

00:32peacekeeping powerhouse, ranking fifth globally in troop contributions. It boosted missions like

00:39Liberia's UN meal, restoring hope post-conflict. But Nigeria's part has known deep sorrow. On August

00:4726, 2011, Boko Haram's suicide bombing struck the UN house in Abuja, killing 23, mostly UN staff,

00:57and injuring over 100. This devastating attack, Nigeria's first major suicide bombing,

01:04targeting an international entity, exposed the growing terror threat. Since 2009, Boko Haram

01:11insurgency has displaced millions, attacking schools and communities. Yet, Nigeria stands firm.

01:19Through the UN's 2023-2027 framework, it fights terrorism, supports displaced families,

01:26powers small businesses and solar grids, and empowers women in peace building. Nigeria's resilience shines

01:33as it champions Africa's demand for two permanent security council seats with virtual power,

01:40alongside Egypt and South Africa, a call boosted by U.S. support in 2024. The United Nations uniting 193

01:50countries amplifies Nigeria's voice, while observers like the Holy See and Palestine and non-members like

01:58Kosovo and Taiwan navigate global complexities. Africa, with 54 nations and 1.4 billion people,

02:06seeks greater representation, providing 40% of UN peacekeepers, led by nine Secretary Generals from Tigray Lear to Antonio Guterres.

02:17The United Nations has mediated conflict like the 1953 Korean War, Amistice, and Mozambique's 1992 Peace Accord,

02:26inspiring Nigeria's fight for stability. This United Nations Day, we celebrate Nigeria's courage and Africa's rising spirit.

02:35From the ashes of tragedy, a united world dreams on. Here is to 80 years, and to the peace we seek,

02:44the unity we strive for, and the equality we deserve. Happy United Nations Day.