President Bola Tinubu has tasked Vice President, Kashim Shettima, with leading Nigeria’s delegation to the 2024 Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM).
In a statement issued on Sunday by Stanley Nwokocha, the spokesman for the Vice President, it was confirmed that Shettima will represent Nigeria at this significant international gathering, which is set to take place in Apia, Samoa, from October 21 to 26.
The upcoming CHOGM will see participation from King Charles of England and leaders from 56 member countries, all converging to discuss critical issues affecting the Commonwealth.
The theme for this year’s meeting is “One Resilient Common Future: Transforming our Common Wealth.”
The statement reads, “The theme 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.”