We salute Nigerian UN Peacekeepers, past and present – Schmale

United Nations Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator in Nigeria, Matthias Schmale, has acknowledged the courage and selflessness of Nigerians who have served or are serving in UN peacekeeping missions around the world.

“We salute the courage and selflessness of every Nigerian who has served in UN peacekeeping operations, uniformed or civilian, past or present. You have shown exceptional bravery, dedication, and professionalism, and we are grateful for your service and your sacrifice.” he said at the observance marked with a parade by the Nigerian Military Blue Helmets and a photo exhibition of the contributions of Nigerian Military, Police and Civilians to UN Peacekeeping Operations around the world.

He noted that Nigeria had played a major part in the success of UN peacekeeping operations. “Just weeks after gaining independence in 1960, Nigeria deployed its first contingent of peacekeepers to the Congo. Since then, hundreds of thousands of Nigerian military, police, and civilian personnel have served under the UN flag across 41 operations worldwide.”

In view of Switzerland being the President of the UN Security Council for the month of May, the Ambassador of Switzerland to Nigeria, H.E. Ambassador Nicolas Lang, noted that the United Nations was the answer of the community of States to the horrors of the World War II. “It was first and foremost conceived as an instrument of collective security. Peacekeeping is evidently at the core of this mandate.” He said, “On behalf of Switzerland, let me thank all nations which contribute to peacekeeping efforts. Let’s recommit ourselves to the importance and to the necessity of UN Peacekeeping.”

Nigeria’s Chief of Defence Staff, General L.E.O. Irabor, acknowledged that the theme for this year’s event, ‘Peace begins with me’, was apt for Nigeria as a country whose active participation in UN peacekeeping missions, had helped save countless lives and restored peace and stability to many countries over the decades.

Despite the security challenges facing Nigeria, General Irabor assured, “The Armed Forces of Nigeria and the Police will continued to contribute troops to sustain our commitment to the UN. Our troops have also displayed uncommon resilience and courage in the face of danger while surmounting the various threats.”

The dignitaries which included the representative of the Inspector General of Police; members of the diplomatic community; senior government officials; and UN staff members, later went to the exhibition ground featuring photographic exhibits of Nigeria’s involvement in UN peacekeeping missions over the decades.