President Bola Tinubu has directed Vice President Kashim Shettima to lead Nigeria’s delegation to the 2024 Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) in Samoa.

The Senior Special Assistant to the Vice President on Media and Communications, Stanley Nkwocha, made this known in a statement on Sunday, October 20, 2024.

Nkwocha stated that Shettima will join British monarch King Charles 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 October 26.

He noted that the world leaders will deliberate on the theme, “One Resilient Common Future: Transforming our Common Wealth”.

According to him, 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.

Nkwocha said Nigeria and other member countries, at the event, will also elect and appoint the next Commonwealth Secretary-General.

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Nkwocha stated: “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, 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.”

He noted that 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, adding that the Vice President will equally engage in bilateral meetings and other executive sessions.

The Star