Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has added another feather to his illustrious career with his appointment by the United Nations (UN) Secretary-General, Antonio Gutierrez and 17 other current and past world leaders into the UN High-Level Advisory Board on Mediation.
Gutierrez, who in September announced the establishment of the High-Level Advisory Board to provide him with advice on mediation initiatives and specific mediation efforts around the world, stated that the appointment was due to a “surge in diplomacy for peace” and gives due priority to the UN’s prevention and mediation work across the world.
The work of Obasanjo and other members of the Advisory Board, is expected to allow the UN work more effectively with regional organizations, non-governmental groups and others involved in mediation around the world.
In the announcement of the appointments, the UN described Obasanjo as one of the most distinguished elder statesmen in Africa.
In a statement announcing Obasanjo’s appointment, the global body said: “He served as President of the Republic of Nigeria from 1999 to 2007, and before that as the Head of the Federal Military Government of Nigeria and Commander-in-Chief of the Nigerian Armed Forces from 1976 to 1979.
“Over his long career, Mr. Obasanjo has been involved in numerous international mediation efforts, including in Angola, Burundi, Mozambique, Namibia and South Africa.
“In 2008 he was appointed the UN Secretary-General’s Special Envoy on the Great Lakes region.”
