UN chief Ban Ki-moon in Nigeria, meets Nigerian leaders

UN chief Ban Ki-moon who arrived in Nigeria on a two-day visit was hosted to a dinner at Transcorp Hilton by the Kaduna state government on Sunday August 23.

Akwa Ibom Governor Udom Emanuel, Adamawa Governor Abubakar Bindow, Lagos Governor Akinwunmi Ambode, Edo Governor Adams Oshiomhole, Borno Governor Kashim Shettima and other governors and top dignitaries were present at the dinner.

"Across our world, we see insecurity, inequality, growing divides," Ban told a private meeting of state governors in Abuja, according to a UN statement. Here in Nigeria, you know the challenges all too well –- including the rise of extremism and the lack of equal opportunity. I know this is a deep and vital challenge in particular for the governors of the northeast... This is also a time of hope. I want to commend you and all of Nigeria's leaders for the peaceful democratic transition of power."

The 71-year-old South Korean UN scribe on Sunday morning laid a wreath at the scene of the bomb blast that rocked the UN House Abuja on August 26 2011 which claimed 21 lives while 60 people were injured. The same day, Ban had a meeting with the staff of the UN House Abuja.