BY DEMOLA AKINYEMI
ILORIN— FORMER Ambassador of the United States of America to Nigeria, Mr. Walter Carrington, yesterday, expressed confidence that with the election of Nigeria as a non-permanent member of the United Nations, UN, Security Council, the nation’s voice will now be heard on the international scene.

The ex-envoy spoke with newsmen after he arrived Iloring International airport.

Mr. Walter Carrington was in Kwara State capital to deliver the University of Ilorin’s 29th Founder’s Day and Convocation lecture today.

It will be recalled that the UN General Assembly last Thursday elected Nigeria and four others to serve as non-permanent members on the Security Council for two-year terms beginning on January 1, 2014.
Ambassador Carrington was received by the Vice Chancellor, University of Ilorin, Professor Abdulganiyu Ambali and other principal staff of the institution.

Carrignton said of Nigeria’s nomination to UN security council: “It is a great thing to have Nigeria as a member of the UN Security Council.

When I was the US Ambassador in the early 90s, Nigeria was also a member of the Security Council. So I think that Nigeria being the giant of Africa ought to be on the world stage and I think it is a good thing.”

Speaking further he said: “There are very progressive Nigerians who are involved in foreign affairs and I am very hopeful that Nigeria would be a very progressive voice in the international scene.”

The host vice chancellor of university of Ilorin, Professor Abdulganniy Ambali in his remark told newsmen that the university was happy at receiving the ex-envoy saying: “We are all excited.

He has been part of us in Nigeria for a while. He is now back home and we are all very excited. We look forward to tomorrow’s (today) convocation lecture.”