Eight years after UN building was bombed by Boko Haram insurgents, the UN’s family has begun partial movement to the UN House in Abuja, Edward Kallon, the UN Resident Coordinator, says.
UN building was bombed through a car bomb explosion on Friday, August 26, 2011 in Abuja which killed at least 21 and wounded 60
Kallon announced the movement to the building at the celebration of the 73rd UN Day on Wednesday in Abuja.
“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 said
He 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 2011 bombing of the UN house was an attack against those who devoted themselves to serving UN values,” he said
Kallon commended Federal Government and the people of Nigeria for their commitment to rebuild the UN House.
He also thanked the Federal capital territory Minister for his personal commitment and support to rebuild the edifice that was destroyed by attackers in 2011.
He 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
The Minister of 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 place
The Minister who was represented by Mr Umar Jubril, an official of the Ministry said the reopening represented the fulfilment 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
While congratulating UN family on the return to the edifice, he assured them of the FCT 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 President of UN staff Association, Dr. Noma Owens-Ibie, commended the efforts of the federal government and FCT minister in restoring the lost glory of the UN building.
