Happy birthday Nigeria! Happy birthday Mr. President.
 
We attain 60 years facing common enemies: terrorism and violent extremism; climate insecurity; populism and threats to multilateralism itself.
 
60 years ago the vision of our leaders saw a Nigeria freed to pursue its aspirations of a peaceful, prosperous people banded by the strength of our diversity.
 
Our rich culture, value and land had the potential to unlock the wealth of our nations, our people.
 
Over the past 6 decades we have travelled through many trials and tribulations.
 
Today should be a day of deep appreciation.
 
Where individually and collectively we ask what our contributions have been to this great nation, where we have fallen short and how we will move forward better able to face any challenges and unlock the “diamonds”.
 
My humble reflection is the missed opportunity of investing in our local level of government, where communities and our people, the diamonds in the rough, reside.
 
My hope is that we will find it in ourselves to rise up against what divides us and look for the strands in the fabric of Nigeria that bind us together; that we find the wisdom and courage to embark upon a new journey of discovery, that will see the young people of this great nation shape its future, that we may all rise to our aspirations in peace, unity and dignity and respect for each other leaving no one behind.
 
COVID19 has dealt the world a terrible blow, 1 million lost lives but it has given us the opportunity to come together as an international community to combat the pandemic, save lives and our economies.
 
Nigeria @60 is a sparkling opportunity to take the diamonds in the rough and make them shine.
 
The UN will continue to accompany Nigeria in its quest to deliver on the SDGs and a future deserved by all Nigerians.