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President Muhammadu Buhari used on auspicious meeting yesterday with President Barack Obama on the sidelines of the on-going 71st session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York to acquaint the American leader with the steps taken by his administration towards finding a lasting solution to the lingering hostilities in the oil rich Niger Delta region.

Buhari who seized the opportunity to thank Obama and the United States for keeping faith with Nigeria further stated: “We are making definite progress on how many factions of the militant groups exist, their leadership and operational basis, and we have equally sought the co-operation of the oil majors. In a short while, I believe the issues would be resolved.”

President Buhari particularly lauded the Obama led administration for the invaluable assistance they rendered to Nigeria in the areas of provision of armaments and training of Nigerian troops as well as sharing of intelligence. According to him, the magnanimity of the Americans played a key role in the Northeastern part of Nigeria. The Nigerian President however, solicited for further co-operation between the two countries to tackle the humanitarian crisis which currently ravaging the region in the aftermath of terror attacks.

Commenting on the state of Nigeria in terms of food production, Buhari said: Nigeria is on the road to food self-sufficiency. We shall be able to feed ourselves and utlilise the billions of dollars spent on importing food on other productive areas.”

In his own remarks, President Barack Obama lavished encomiums on Buhari, describing him as “a man of integrity and honesty.” He gave a tacit endorsement of Buhari’s leadership so far especially the way he is prosecuting the war against Boko Haram. Obama said: We offer a hand of fellowship to Nigeria to ensure the final and comprehensive defeat of Boko Haram; resolution of the Niger Delta crisis, which would help ramp up oil production and increase revenue; resolving the humanitarian crisis in the North East; recovering stolen money and revamping the economy.”

Before the closing formalities, President Buhari wished Obama well in his future endeavours as he serves out the last days of his tenure as US President.