President Bola Tinubu has mandated Vice President Kashim Shettima to proceed and lead Nigeria’s delegation to the 2024 Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM).
A presidency statement on Sunday explained that Vice President Shettima will 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 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.
According to the statement issued by Stanley Nkwocha, Senior Special Assistant (SSA) to the President on Media and Communications, 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, with Nigeria expected to play a major role as the largest African member in this regard.
Building on the progress made at CHOGM 2022, Senator Shettima and other world leaders will deliberate on global economic, environmental, and security challenges, exploring ways Commonwealth countries can collaborate to build resilience, boost trade, foster innovation, and empower the Commonwealth’s 1.5 billion young people for a peaceful and sustainable future.
The Vice President is also expected to use the Commonwealth Business Forum to 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 further participate in the People’s Forum, the largest platform organized by the Commonwealth Foundation for people to engage with leaders on global development issues. He will also attend bilateral meetings and other executive sessions.
