Dr. Mohammed Ibn Chambas, the Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General for West Africa, has commended President Muhammadu Buhari for adopting regional approach to the ongoing counter insurgency operation in the country.

Chambas gave the commendation on Thursday in Abuja at the Realnews Fourth Anniversary Lecture with the theme: “Security and National Development in a Plural Democratic Society.”

Chambas said: “We at the UN are very pleased with the regional cooperation approach adopted by President Muhammadu Buhari, by collaborating with leaders of Niger, Chad Republic and Cameroun.

“We are convinced that based on this approach, Boko Haram will be eliminated within the next possible short time.”

Chambas then advised the Federal Government to invest in the education of children of Internally Displaced Persons with a view to increasing the level of enrollment in primary schools in the North East.

The diplomat also appealed to government to ensure respect for the rule of law, adding that there would not be any meaningful development without peace and respect for rule of law.

Chambas also urged Nigeria and Ghana to increase women participation in electoral process like it was the in most West African countries.

He noted that increasing women participation in electoral process was critical in promoting and strengthening democracy in a plural society.

He also urged Federal Government to increase youth access to education with a view to countering

the spread of terrorism and other vices in the country.

The UN special representative advised the media to promote peace and national development by upholding the interest of the nation and the people through reportage.

Earlier, the Publisher and Editor of Realnews, Maureen Chigbo, said the anniversary lecture was part of efforts to contribute to national peace and development, as well as promote good democratic values in the country.

Chigbo said security was critical for growth, investment and economic prosperity, and should be the most important issue to address in 2016.

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