By Abiola Olawale
Nigeria’s Vice President Kashim Shettima is set to represent President Bola Ahmed Tinubu at the 2024 Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM).
A statement issued by Stanley Nwokocha, spokesman of the Vice President, revealed that Shettima was mandated by Tinubu to lead Nigeria’s delegation to the 2024 Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM).
Shettima is expected to join King Charles of England and other world leaders from 56 member countries at the first CHOGM to be held in the Pacific small island of Apia, Samoa from October 21 to 26.
They will deliberate on the theme, “One Resilient Common Future: Transforming our Common Wealth.”
The statement reads in part: “At this meeting, Nigeria and other member countries will also elect and appoint the next Commonwealth Secretary-General.
“In line with the Agreed Memorandum on the Establishment and Functions of the Commonwealth Secretariat (revised 2022) and the principle of regional rotation, the next Commonwealth Secretary-General will come from the Africa Region.
“The candidates for the role are from Lesotho, Ghana, and The Gambia, while Nigeria will have a major role to play as the largest African member in this regard.
“Consolidating the progress made at CHOGM 2022, VP Shettima and other world leaders will also deliberate on the global economy, environmental and security challenges, discussing how Commonwealth countries can work together to build resilience, boost trade, innovation, growth, and empower the Commonwealth’s 1.5 billion young people for a more peaceful and sustainable future.
“The Vice President is expected to use the platform provided by the Commonwealth Business Forum to further attract investors to Nigeria, as global experts from businesses and the private sector convene to recommend and champion solutions to global challenges.
“Senator Shettima will also participate in the People’s Forum, the single largest opportunity organized by the Commonwealth Foundation for people to engage with leaders on global development issues. He will also engage in bilateral meetings and other executive sessions.”
The New Diplomat reports that this comes after Tinubu arrived in Nigeria after a two-week working vacation. Meanwhile, Shettima had jetted out to Sweden for a two-day working visit.
The visit was designed to enhance collaboration and strengthen the bilateral relations between Nigeria and Sweden, with a focus on various sectors including trade, investment, and technological exchange.
