By Ken Afor
Nigeria’s Vice President, Kashim Shettima, has canceled his plans to attend the 2024 US-Africa Business Summit in Dallas, Texas, on behalf of his principal, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
According to a statement released on Monday by Mr. Stanley Nkwocha, the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Communications for the Office of the Vice President, a technical issue with Shettima’s aircraft necessitated a change of plans.
The statement noted that following the guidance of the Presidential Air Fleet, Shettima had to abort his trip and make alternative arrangements.
The statement further noted that the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Maitama Tuggar, will now represent President Tinubu at the Business Summit.
The statement reads: “The Honourable Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Maitama Tuggar, will now represent President Bola Ahmed Tinubu at the 2024 US-Africa Business Summit in Dallas, Texas.
“Vice President Kashim Shettima who was originally scheduled to represent the President was unable to make the trip following a technical fault with his aircraft, forcing him to make a detour on the advice of the Presidential Air Fleet.
“The Vice President will carry on with other national duties.
“The high-profile summit, taking place at the Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center, will bring together political and business leaders from across Africa, the United States, and other regions. It features high-level dialogues, networking sessions, and plenaries.
“Among the African heads of state expected are President Joseph Boakai of Liberia, President Lazarus Chakwera of Malawi, President Joao Lourenço of Angola, President Mokgweetsi E.K. Masisi of Botswana, President José Maria Neves of Cape Verde, and Deputy Prime Minister Nthomeng Majara of Lesotho.
“The US-Africa Business Summit aims to foster economic cooperation and explore investment opportunities between the United States and African countries.”
The New Diplomat recalls that the Vice President was scheduled to depart Abuja on Sunday night to represent President Tinubu in the US-Africa Summit in Dallas, Texas.
The Summit is scheduled to hold from Monday May 6 to Thursday, May 9, 2024.
