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).
VP Shettima will join King Charles of England and other world leaders from 56 member countries at the first CHOGM, which will be held on the Pacific Island of Apia, Samoa, from October 21 to 26.
They will deliberate on the theme, “One Resilient Common Future: Transforming our Common Wealth.”
According to a statement by the vice president’s spokesman, Stanley Nkwocha, the theme will focus on how member countries can harness their strengths through resilience, unlock potential, leverage the ‘Commonwealth Advantage’, and foster a connected, digital Commonwealth.
At this meeting, Nkwocha said Nigeria and other member countries will also elect and appoint the next Commonwealth secretary-general.
According to him, 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.
He said the candidates for the role are from Lesotho, Ghana, and The Gambia, while Nigeria, as the largest African member, will have a significant role to play 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 organised 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,” he added.
