Vice-President Kashim Shettima has left Abuja for the United States to represent Nigeria at the 79th Session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA).
This year’s gathering is significant as President Bola Tinubu has opted not to attend, allowing Shettima to take the helm of Nigeria’s delegation.
The decision was made to enable the president to focus on pressing domestic challenges, including the recent devastating floods affecting the nation.
During the UNGA, Shettima is set to deliver Nigeria’s national statement and participate in key discussions and bilateral meetings on the sidelines of the event.
The high-level General Debate, themed “Leaving No One Behind: Acting Together for the Advancement of Peace, Sustainable Development and Human Dignity for Present and Future Generations,” will occur from September 24 to September 28, 2024.
Notably, Shettima’s participation marks a historic moment, as he becomes the first Vice President since the return to democratic governance in 1999 to lead Nigeria’s delegation to the UNGA.