Buhari off to France for peace forum

PRESIDENT Muhammadu Buhari will attend the first edition of the Paris Peace Forum taking place in the French capital November 11-13, 2018.

The presidency announced that he was expected to depart Abuja on Friday.

According to a statement issued by Femi Adesina, Special Adviser to the President (Media & Publicity) in Abuja explained that the forum is organised by the French Government and a number of Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs).

It said the Forum is based on the “simple idea that international cooperation is key to tackling global challenges and ensuring durable peace.”

The statement added: “The Nigerian President will join the United Nations Secretary-General, Antonio Guterres and other world leaders in discussing contributions towards global peace while underscoring the imperative of collective action.

“While in Paris, President Buhari will also join other world leaders to commemorate the centenary anniversary of the Armistice signed on November 11, 1918, between the Allied Forces and Germany in the forest of Compiegne in France to end the First World War.

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“During his visit to Paris, President Buhari will attend a luncheon hosted by President Emmanuel Macron of France in honour of visiting heads of delegations.

“Before returning to Abuja, the President and his delegation will have an interactive session with the Nigerian Community in France.”

President Buhari will be accompanied to Paris by Governors Aminu Masari, Willie Obiano and Kayode Fayemi of Katsina, Anambra and Ekiti States, respectively.

Others include the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Geoffrey Onyeama; the Attorney-General and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami; the National Security Adviser, Maj-Gen. Babagana Monguno (rtd); and the Director-General, National Intelligence Agency, Ahmed Abubakar.