President Muhammadu Buhari has called for greater cooperation among neighbouring countries with Nigeria to better combat the multiplicity of threats across West Africa and the Sahel.
A statement issued by Garba Shehu Senior Special Assistant to the President (Media & Publicity), on Friday in Abuja quoted Buhari as speaking in Niamey, Niger Republic.
The President spoke at the launch of the French version of his biography, Muhammadu Buhari: the Challenges of Leadership in Nigeria.
The launching came after he inaugurated a 3.8 kilometres long and 160 metres wide Boulevard named after him by the Government of Niger Republic.
“My remarks will not be complete if I did not mention the escalating volatilities and multiplicity of threats across our region of West Africa and the Sahel.
“The ever-evolving nature of the threats we face underlines the need for enhanced coordination.
“There is no doubt that we have made incremental progress in our collective fight against terrorism and other trans-border crimes.
“However, a lot remains to be done, especially in the face of renewed efforts by violent extremist groups to expand their operations and footholds in West Africa,” Buhari was quoted as saying.
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He expressed the belief that ending terrorism and trans-border crimes in the region is achievable.
President Buhari reiterated Nigeria’s commitment to bilateral as well as multilateral initiatives, with neighbouring partners such as Niger, Chad and Cameroun, toward realising this objective.
On the launch of the French version of his biography, the President said he hoped it would serve as a clarion call to emerging leaders across Africa.
“It is my hope that the biography serves as a clarion call to emerging leaders across Africa.
“And inspire them to be guided by the core values of hard work, integrity and patriotism,” Buhari said.
“The lessons from the book should spur leaders to work in accordance with the rule of law and constitutional constraint.”
He thanked President Bazoum for honouring six Nigerians due to their roles in strengthening the bonds between the two nations.
Buhari described the relationship between Nigeria and Niger as a true one, characterised by shared history, values and tradition.
“‘No wonder our people are able to coexist peacefully across our shared border, which spans over 1500 kilometres.
“We remain the best of brothers and neighbours.
“It gives me pleasure to note that President Bazoum has taken steps to consolidate those fraternal bonds since assuming leadership.
“‘Mr President has championed the expansion of frontiers of cooperation between our two countries, fostering an environment of mutual trust.
“This further underscores the importance that Niger attaches to the strategic nature of our relations.
“I, therefore, find it auspicious that Mr President dedicated time to translate my biography into the French language,” he said.
Buhari also commended former President Issoufou for initiating the project.
“And the incumbent for seeing to its completion and launching it.”
“There is no greater honour than when one’s life is considered worthy of emulation.
“‘Your kindness translated through this gesture is a testament to the affinity that exists between our two peoples,’’ he said.
The President expressed deep appreciation to the Nigerien President ‘‘for the enviable honour’’ bestowed on him in a profound way.
President Umaro Sissoco Embaló of Guinea Bissau and the current Chairman of ECOWAS, General Mahamat Idriss Deby Itno, Head of the Transition Military Council and President of Chad and former President of Niger Republic, Mahamadou Issoufou attended the book launch.
Prof. Abdallah Adamu, former Vice Chancellor of the National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN) reviewed the book.
At the occasion, the President of Niger decorated four Nigerians.
The decoration is in recognition of their roles in fostering excellent bilateral relations between both countries.
They are Hadi Sirika, the Minister of Aviation and Mohammed Indimi, Chairman of Oriental Energy Resources (OER),
Others are Sayyu Dantata, Chief Executive Officer, MRS Holdings Limited and Aliyu Farouk, APC chieftain.
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