President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has mandated Vice President Kashim Shettima to proceed and lead Nigeria’s delegation to the 2024 Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM).
Vice President Shettima had departed Abuja on Wednesday for Sweden on a two-day visit to the Scandinavian nation.
In a statement on Sunday, Stanley Nwokocha, spokesman of the Vice President, said Shettima would join King Charles of England and other world leaders from the 56 member countries at the first CHOGM to be held in the Pacific small island of Apia, Samoa, from October 21 to 26, 2024.
According to the statement, the theme “One Resilient Common Future: Transforming our Common Wealth” will focus attention “on how member countries can harness their strengths through resilience, unlocking potential, leveraging the ‘Commonwealth Advantage’, and fostering a connected, digital Commonwealth.
“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.”