The United Nations Association of Nigeria (UNA-Nigeria) has expanded its membership base with the induction of 32 new members in Lagos, marking a significant milestone in its efforts to promote global unity and cooperation in Nigeria.
The induction exercise which was held at the UNA-Nigeria’s headquarters in Lagos aimed to integrate the new members into the organisation’s culture, mission, and operational structure.
Speaking at the event, President, UNA-Nigeria Oluremi Olutimo, affirmed that the induction goes beyond simple orientation, serving as a strategic process to ensure that new volunteers or members feel welcomed, empowered, and fully aligned with the organisation’s purpose from day one.
While describing UNA-Nigeria as the official arm of the United Nations in Nigeria, Olutimo who is a professor and an Engineer, said that it was founded in I959 by Prof. Babs Fafunwa and added that association has played a pivotal role in fostering a strong relationship between the Nigerian people and the United Nations.
The organisation also he said is dedicated to mobilising, motivating and educating Nigeria civil society to actively participate in and realise the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Other missions and objectives of the association, the professor said they include; enhancing public awareness and understanding of the United Nations and its global initiatives, promoting the values and goals of the UN, including peace, human rights, equality and sustainable development and; advocating for Nigeria’s active role in the UN system and it specialised agencies.
On how UNA-Nigeria plans to contribute to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals, he said: “Our plan to achieving SDGs is by mobilising local communities, educating the public through seminars, events among others, and advocating for UN policy, directly supporting Goal 17(Partnerships) and various social, economic, and environmental goals through grassroots engagement’’.
Highlighting the key areas the UNA -Nigeria is focusing on in the current global scenario, he said: “based on the 2026 priorities outlined by UN Secretary-General António Guterres and the ongoing work of United Nations Associations (UNAs) under the World Federation of UNAs (WFUNA), our key areas of focus in this current global scenario are deeply rooted in multilateralism, peace, and sustainable development.
“United Nations Association of Nigeria is working to promote the UN Charter’s principles by fostering public understanding, grassroots advocacy, and local engagement with UN initiatives.”
On the other hand, UNA-Nigeria president admonished the newly inducted members to be a worthy ambassador of the association emphasising the need for a humanitarian mindset and empathy wherever they may be.
