Tinubu Confirms Absence From New York UN Meeting, Sends Shettima to Represent Nigeria


 

By Abel Chigozie 


President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has confirmed that he will not attend the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York, directing Vice President Kashim Shettima to lead Nigeria’s delegation to the global gathering.


The development was announced by the Presidency on Sunday, ending weeks of uncertainty over whether Tinubu would participate in the annual meeting of world leaders. 


Shettima is expected to deliver Nigeria’s national statement during the high-level General Debate, which is scheduled for September 22 to 28, and represent the country at several high-level engagements on the sidelines of the assembly. 


The Vice President is also expected to hold bilateral meetings with foreign leaders, international organisations and development partners, with discussions expected to cover economic diplomacy, sustainable development, climate finance, international cooperation and reforms to the global financial system.


The Nigerian delegation will include Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara, Zamfara State Governor Dauda Lawal, ministers and other senior government officials. 


Tinubu’s decision follows earlier reports that he would attend the UNGA and address world leaders on September 23. Nigeria’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Ambassador Jimoh Ibrahim, had previously indicated that the President had agreed to participate in the gathering. 


However, subsequent reports indicated that the President would not travel to New York, with Shettima expected to represent him.


This will be the third consecutive UNGA session at which Shettima represents Tinubu. He led Nigeria’s delegation and delivered the country’s national statement at the 79th and 80th sessions in 2024 and 2025 respectively. Tinubu personally attended the 78th UNGA in 2023. 


The 81st UNGA is being held under the theme, “Restoring trust, managing transformation: A United Nations that delivers for all.” 

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Tinubu Orders EFCC to Lift Freeze on Osun Government Accounts Ahead of Governorship Election

Image
  By Ajimati Samuel  President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has directed the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to immediately vacate the court order freezing the bank accounts of the Osun State Government, citing concerns over the timing of the action as the state prepares for its August 15 governorship election. In a State House statement issued on Thursday, the President said he was deeply embarrassed by the development, stressing that although he respects the independence of anti-corruption agencies, the timing of the EFCC's move could create the impression that the Federal Government was attempting to influence the forthcoming election. Tinubu clarified that he had no prior knowledge of the EFCC's decision to obtain the court order on August 5, 2026, and reiterated his administration's commitment to allowing law enforcement and anti-corruption agencies to carry out their constitutional duties without political interference. According to the President, institutions es...
Read more

Accord Shocks APC, Wins Omisore’s Polling Unit in Osun Governorship Election

Image
  By Abdulahi Musa  The Accord Party has won the governorship election at the polling unit of former Osun Deputy Governor and ex-National Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Senator Iyiola Omisore. Results uploaded to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) Result Viewing Portal (IReV) showed that Accord secured 131 votes at Polling Unit 003, Ife Ward 1 (Moore), St. Gabriel Primary School, in Ife East Local Government Area. The APC placed second with 85 votes, while the African Democratic Congress (ADC) polled 10 votes. Other political parties recorded only a few votes at the polling unit. The development marks another early gain for Accord as the collation of results from polling units across Osun State continues. The victory comes shortly after Accord also prevailed at the polling unit of former Osun Governor, Prince Olagunsoye Oyinlola, in Okuku, Odo-Otin Local Government Area. Accord recorded 125 votes there, defeating the APC, which polled 85 vo...
Read more

Imesi-Ile Youth Leader Celebrates Six New Lawyers, Commends IPA for Honouring Outstanding Achievers

Image
  By Abosede Adekunle  The National Youth Leader of Imesi-Ile, Comrade John Rotimi Fakanlu, has congratulated six indigenes of the community who were recently called to the Nigerian Bar, describing their achievement as a significant milestone that reflects the community's growing commitment to academic excellence and professional development. In a statement released on Saturday, Fakanlu also expressed appreciation to the Imesi-Ile Progressive Association (IPA), National Body, for recognising and celebrating the newly inducted legal practitioners. He specifically commended the National President of the association, Barr. Samuel Agbeluyi, mni, and the General Secretary, Mr. Sola Oluwadare, for what he described as a thoughtful initiative aimed at encouraging excellence among the youths of the community. The six newly qualified Barristers and Solicitors of the Supreme Court of Nigeria are Barr. Temidayo Fabiyi, Barr. Iyanuoluwa Babaniyi, Barr. Similoluwa Jegede, Barr. Taiwo Mayow...
Read more