President Bola Tinubu has designated Vice President Kashim Shettima to represent Nigeria at the upcoming 2024 Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM), which is set to take place in Apia, Samoa, from October 21 to 26. This significant event will gather leaders from 56 member countries, including King Charles of England, to discuss vital issues surrounding the theme, “One Resilient Common Future: Transforming our Common Wealth.” The theme highlights the collective strengths of member nations, with a strong emphasis on resilience, unlocking potential, leveraging the “Commonwealth Advantage,” and cultivating a connected, digital Commonwealth.
An essential aspect of the meeting will be the election for the next Commonwealth Secretary-General, a position that will rotate to the African region in line with the revised 2022 Memorandum governing the Commonwealth Secretariat. Nigeria, being the largest African member, holds a pivotal role in this election, which features candidates from Lesotho, Ghana, and The Gambia. The selection of a new secretary-general will be critical in guiding the direction of the Commonwealth and ensuring that the voices of African nations are adequately represented on the global stage.
VP Shettima and fellow leaders will engage in discussions beyond administrative matters, specifically focusing on pressing global issues such as the economy, environmental challenges, and security threats. The summit will serve as a platform to explore ways in which Commonwealth countries can collaborate to enhance resilience, stimulate trade, promote innovation, and support sustainable growth. Importantly, the conversations will address empowerment strategies for the Commonwealth’s significant youth population, which numbers approximately 1.5 billion, to foster a more peaceful and sustainable future.
A primary aim of Shettima’s participation in the Commonwealth Business Forum is to attract foreign investment into Nigeria. This forum will bring together international business experts and private sector representatives to devise actionable solutions to global challenges. By leveraging this platform, Shettima hopes to showcase Nigeria’s opportunities and potential to a broader audience, facilitating increased economic partnerships and investments.
In addition to his role at the government meeting, VP Shettima is expected to partake in the People’s Forum, the largest engagement platform organized by the Commonwealth Foundation, allowing citizens to voice their needs and concerns directly to leaders on issues related to global development. His active involvement in bilateral meetings will foster dialogue and collaboration with other nations on critical topics that affect member states.
Shettima’s upcoming trip to Samoa marks his 12th journey abroad since assuming office, reflecting an active diplomatic agenda. He has completed 56 days of travel across ten countries, logging over 93 flight hours in pursuit of constructive international relations. His travels have taken him to various important global hubs, including cities in Europe, Africa, Asia, and the Americas, symbolizing Nigeria’s commitment to engaging in global dialogues and strengthening international partnerships to advance the nation’s interests within the Commonwealth and beyond.
