CEOAFRICA gathered that Nigeria and three other countries received two global awards in New York on Thursday for their commitment to polio eradication and support for the work of the United Nations.

According to the report, India, Pakistan and Afghanistan were the other three countries that were honoured with the Global Leadership Award by the UN Foundation and the UN Association of the United States (UNA-US) during the ceremony.

The event also celebrated the 70th Anniversary of UNA-USA that recognised the 15-year legacy of leadership of former UN Foundation President and current Board Vice Chairman, Timothy Wirth, who was honoured with the Champion for Global Change Award.

While accepting the award on Thursday, Nigeria’s Permanent Representative to the UN, ’’ Amb. Joy Ogwu, noted that Nigeria‘s membership of the UN Security Council will provide another opportunity to partner with other member states in advancing the course of peace and security.

“The event was quite significant not only because of the recognition of Nigeria’s determination and milestone achievements in the eradication of polio, but that it also coincided with Nigeria’s election as a non-permanent member of the UN Security Council,” she added.

Ambassador Joy ogwu noted that the support of Nigeria’s international partners like UNICEF was instrumental to the rapid progress made in the efforts towards the eradication of polio in Nigeria.

Ogwu, however, commended the former UN Foundation President, Mr. Timothy Wirth, for his pioneering work that had enabled the organisation to attain its enviable heights.