Nigeria’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Amb. Tijani Muhammad-Bande, on Tuesday, leaves office as President of the 74th session of the General Assembly.
He handed over the gavel to Turkish diplomat and politician, Volkan Bozkir, who will be steering the ship of the 75th session of the 193-member lawmaking body.
The change of baton took place during the closing ceremony of the 74th session.
The brief ceremony, held inside the General Assembly Hall at the UN headquarters in New York under strict social-distancing rules, saw UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres in attendance.
In his remarks, Guterres said the 74th session was like no other in the 75-year history of the UN, citing the COVID-19 pandemic made the last seven months extremely difficult for the world.
The UN Chief congratulated Muhammad-Bande for his sterling leadership that saw the 74th session completing its full programme of work in spite of the enormous challenges.
“It has been a privilege to work with the General Assembly, our common platform for international consensus and action, during these difficult days, under the leadership of His Excellency Professor Tijjani Muhammad-Bande.
“Professor Muhammad-Bande’s capable stewardship saw the General Assembly adopt new working methods to continue its work smoothly.
“He made great efforts to ensure business continuity through regular convening of the General Committee and other online briefings.
“On a personal note, I would like to thank Professor Muhammad-Bande for his wise, determined and serene approach to those unforeseen challenges, and his excellent judgment under pressure.
“I commend the patience and support he has demonstrated during these unprecedented times.’’
Guterres also thanked representatives of member states for their support and cooperation, urging them to extend the same to Bozkir in the 75th session.