“Today calls to mind the words of Federico Mayor, director-general of UNESCO from 1987-1999 and I quote: ‘any history begins when human beings have to draw from their knowledge of the past in order to better understand the present and look ahead to the future, when they come to realize that they must look into the facts, events and trends that have pre-figured their own era. It is only when their background and their links with the past are brought to light that the present ceases to be incomprehensible, gratuitous and meaningless.’ These are profound words, and they stand the test of time.
“As we mark UNESCO’s anniversary, we must acknowledge that it is a celebration of history; an occasion to remind ourselves of how far we have traveled, seeking to achieve the founding objectives of this great intellectual hub of the United Nations,” the president said.
President Buhari said Nigeria’s relationship with the organisation had been ever expanding and mutually beneficial, helping to look at what lies ahead.