President Muhammadu Buhari departed Abuja on Sunday to attend the 77th General Assembly of the United Nations (UNGA77) in New York, United States.

The president’s Chief of Staff, Ibrahim Gambari, Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) and top government functionaries were at the airport to bid the president goodbye.

An earlier statement issued by the president’s spokesman, Femi Adesina, on Saturday said the Nigerian leader would address the UNGA on September 21.

“Aside from his national statement, the president will also participate in high-level meetings and side events, including the Nigeria International Economic Partnership Forum (NIEPF),’’ Mr Adesina said.

Nigeria convenes the forum in partnership with the Business Council for International Understanding.

Mr Adesina added that the president would also participate in the EFCC-NEPAD programme on combating illicit financial flows.

“President Buhari will also hold strategic bilateral meetings with world leaders, renowned investors and heads of multinational organisations while in New York,” he said.

The theme for the 77th session is “A watershed moment: Transformative solutions to interlocking challenges.”

Key topics of discussion at the UNGA this year include the war in Ukraine, the global energy crisis, climate action, and ending the COVID-19 pandemic.

The UNGA will also hold a special summit on transforming education.

On the president’s entourage are his wife, Aisha, some governors, ministers and top government officials.

The president is expected back in the country on Monday, September 26.

(NAN)