Nigerian President Goodluck Jonathan to Speak at National Press Club, July 31

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Jul 11, 2014, 03:05 ET

WASHINGTON, July 11, 2014 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Goodluck Jonathan, the president of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, will speak at a National Press Club luncheon on July 31. Jonathan, who became the country's leader in 2010, will talk about the challenges of fighting against the Islamist militant group Boko Haram and global terrorism.

In April, Boko Haram kidnapped more than 200 schoolgirls, threatening to sell them as slaves. The terrorist group has killed thousands of Nigerians during its five-year fight against the government of Africa's largest oil producer while forcing about 3.3 million people to leave their homes. More than a year ago, Jonathan imposed emergency rule in three northern states where Boko Haram is most active, while the U.S. in November named the group a Foreign Terrorism Organization.

In a June 26 op-ed in Washington Post, Jonathan said his government has spared no resources in its search for the kidnapped girls. He said the nation's efforts will not stop until the girls are returned home and those who took them are brought to justice.

He said he plans to urge the United Nations General Assembly in September to establish
a U.N.-coordinated system for sharing intelligence and special forces to confront terrorism wherever it occurs.

The Press Club luncheon will begin promptly at 12:30 p.m. Remarks will begin at 1:00 p.m., followed by a question-and-answer session, ending at 2 p.m. Tickets may be purchased by clicking here. The cost of luncheon admission is $22 for National Press Club members and $36 non-members. Tickets must be purchased at time of reservation

National Press Club Luncheons are webcast live on press.org. Follow the conversation on Twitter using the hashtag #NPCLunch, or on Facebook at (facebook.com/PressClubDC) and Twitter (@PressClubDC). Submit questions for speakers in advance and during the live event by sending them to @QNPCLunch on Twitter. Or email a question in advance, type Goodluck Jonathan in the subject line and send to [email protected] before 10 a.m. on the day of event.

The Press Club is on the 13th floor at 529 14th Street, NW, Washington, D.C. Credentialed press may cover this event with ID.

About the National Press Club

The National Press Club is the world's leading professional organization for journalists with more than 3,300 members worldwide representing every major news organization. More than 250,000 people visit the Club each year to attend more than 2,000 events. The Club was founded in 1908 and is on the web at press.org.

For More Information:
Melinda Cooke: 202-662-7516 or [email protected]

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SOURCE National Press Club