Juliana Taiwo-Obalonye, New York
President Muhammadu Buhari has called on fellow world leaders to imbibe values of former South African President, Nelson Mandela, by placing human dignity at the centre of their action to build a just, peaceful, prosperous, inclusive and fair world.
Buhari made the call during the Nelson Mandela Peace Summit, on the sidelines of the 73rd United Nations General Assembly in New York.
About 100 Heads of State and Government, Ministers, Member States and representatives of civil society pledged to redoubling efforts to build a just, peaceful, prosperous, inclusive, and fair world, as they paid tribute to Mandela’s, celebrated qualities and service to humanity.
Buhari said the event was an opportunity for the leaders to rededicate themselves to the service of humanity by championing democracy, conflict resolution, disarmament, mutual respect, reconciliation, gender equality and the fight against poverty.
Buhari observed that even though the world is facing diverse challenges ranging from conflicts, climate change, terrorism, desertification, poverty, arms trafficking and extremism among others, it is a time of great hope and renaissance if inspiration is drawn from Mandela whose lifestyle he said symbolized uncommon humility, compassion, courage and forgiveness.
Buhari quoted a statement that Mandela made during his trial as he face the death penalty “During my life time, I have dedicated myself to this struggle of African people. I have fought against white domination and I have fought against black domination.
I have cherished the ideals of a democratic and free society in which all persons live together in harmony with equal opportunity.