Ban Ki-moon, the United Nations Secretary-General has showered encomium on the Federal Government of Nigeria for its dedication and coordinating role in the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs), CEOAFRICA.com gathered.

This was disclosed in his message to an event tagged “Transformative Agenda for Sustainable Development in Nigeria and Africa: Lessons, Actions and Emerging Perspectives” hosted by President Goodluck Jonathan at the Millennium Plaza in New York.

Mr. Ban, who was representsd by his Special Adviser on Post-2015 Development Planning, described the MDGs as collective promise to the world’s most vulnerable people.

He said the MDGs Acceleration Framework, introduced by the government of Nigeria with the support of the UN, was a stellar example.

“I applaud the leadership and commitment of Nigeria, and also the governments of Ghana, Kenya and South Africa in striving to accelerate progress.

“At the same time, we must set a development agenda for beyond 2015 with poverty reduction and sustainable development at its core.

“This means greater focus on decent jobs, better governance, freedom from crime and violence and living within the natural boundaries of our planet.

 “Your commitment in Nigeria and across the continent of Africa will help us all improve our efforts to meet people’s needs at national, regional and global levels.

“In turn, this will contribute to a more effective multilateral system that is ‘fit for purpose’ to deliver on the post-2015 next development agenda,’’ Ban said.

President Goodluck Jonathan, in his remark, noted that Nigeria would build on successes recorded for the Post-2015 MDG.

He, however, noted that electricity was necessary for African countries to attain the MDGs, stressing that until the continent was able to achieve sustainable power supply, the MDGs would remain elusive.

Ghanaian President, John Mahama encouraged African countries to focus on educating girl-gild, rather than giving them out in marriage early.