Kashim Shettima Arrives In Ethiopia To Represent Tinubu At 39th African Union Assembly

Vice-President Kashim Shettima has touched down in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, to represent President Bola Tinubu at the 39th Ordinary Session of the African Union Assembly, set for February 14–15. According to a statement from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, issued by spokesperson Kimiebi Ebienfa, Shettima was received at Bole International Airport by Ethiopia’s Minister of Innovation and Technology, Dr. Belete Mola, and State Minister of Foreign Affairs, Amb. Berhanu Tsegaye. Also on hand to welcome him were Foreign Affairs Minister Amb. Yusuf Tuggar, the Head of the Nigerian Embassy in Addis Ababa, and other senior officials. Tuggar highlighted Nigeria’s recent diplomatic and institutional achievements, noting that the country has solidified its leadership role in promoting Africa’s economic integration. Speaking on the outcomes of the recently concluded 48th Session of the Executive Council of the African Union, he revealed that Nigeria had been granted a permanent seat on the Board of the African Central Bank—a landmark development that underscores the nation’s strategic role in shaping Africa’s financial systems. The decision also gives Nigeria representation on the Board of the Technical Convergence Committee of the African Monetary Institute, the precursor to the African Central Bank, reflecting the country’s technical capacity, economic significance, and commitment to advancing Africa’s monetary integration agenda. On peace and security, the session saw the successful election of candidates endorsed by the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), including Nigeria, to the African Union Peace and Security Council, demonstrating regional cohesion and a shared commitment to stability across the continent. In the area of democratic governance, Nigeria hosted a Ministerial High-Level Panel Discussion on Regional Partnerships for Democracy, bringing together ministers, senior officials, and delegates from across Africa and the international community. The panel fostered discussions on strengthening democratic institutions, promoting inclusive governance, and enhancing regional collaboration. Tuggar reiterated that Nigeria’s engagements reflect its commitment to the core principles of the African Union, including economic integration, institutional development, peace, security, and democracy. “The Federal Government of Nigeria remains dedicated to working collaboratively with Member States and regional bodies to advance Africa’s shared prosperity and sustainable development,” he said.

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Vice President Shettima Departs Abuja To Represent President Tinubu At 2026 AU Summit In Ethiopia

Vice President Kashim Shettima has departed Abuja for Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, to represent President Bola Ahmed Tinubu at the 2026 African Union (AU) Summit. The announcement was made in a statement on Thursday by Stanley Nkwocha, Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media & Communications (Office of the Vice President). The summit, themed “Assuring Sustainable Water Availability and Safe Sanitation Systems to Achieve the Goals of Agenda 2063,” will focus on advancing Africa-wide commitments to sustainable water management, improved sanitation, and broader development objectives outlined in the AU’s Agenda 2063 framework. Vice President Shettima will join African leaders at the 39th Ordinary Session of the Assembly of AU Heads of State and Government and the 30th General Assembly, scheduled for February 14 and 15. On the sidelines of the summit, he is expected to attend high-level side events and hold bilateral meetings with political and business leaders to strengthen Nigeria’s diplomatic, economic, and strategic partnerships across the continent. The statement noted that Vice President Shettima is travelling with cabinet ministers and senior government officials and will return to Nigeria after completing his engagements in Addis Ababa.

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APC Dismisses Speculation About Replacing Vice President Shettima Ahead Of 2027 Election

The All Progressives Congress (APC) has rejected claims that Vice President Kashim Shettima could be dropped as President Bola Tinubu’s running mate in the 2027 general election. APC’s national publicity secretary, Felix Morka, stated on Monday that reports suggesting Shettima’s replacement are “purely speculative, untrue and utterly baseless.” He called on media organisations to avoid giving platforms to “rumour-peddlers and mischievous news sources” whose aim is to create confusion and discord. Speculation had circulated that figures such as Sokoto Catholic Bishop Matthew Kukah, former House Speaker Yakubu Dogara, and Defence Minister Lt. Gen. Christopher Musa (rtd) could take Shettima’s place. The claims drew reactions from party members, including Minister of Culture, Tourism and Creative Economy Hannatu Musawa, who warned that removing a Northern Muslim from the ticket could weaken APC’s chances in 2027. Morka noted that earlier stories about Shettima’s possible replacement were subtle but have recently escalated, with specific names being circulated. He urged ministers, senior government officials, and APC leaders to focus on their responsibilities and support the party’s agenda rather than fuel unnecessary speculation. “Our Party remains committed to supporting President Tinubu and Vice President Shettima in implementing the Renewed Hope Agenda, advancing reforms that are transforming the economy, creating prosperity, and improving living conditions for Nigerians,” the statement read. He added that officials should concentrate on diligent service to the government and party while strengthening the achievements of President Tinubu, whom he described as “our inimitable and visionary leader.”

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Vice President Shettima Represents Tinubu at 2026 Armed Forces Celebration and Remembrance Day

Vice President Kashim Shettima represented President Bola Tinubu at the 2026 Armed Forces Celebration and Remembrance Day (AFCRD) ceremony held at the Cenotaph of the Unknown Soldier, Eagle Square, Abuja. President Tinubu is in the United Arab Emirates attending the 2026 Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week (ADSW). The AFCRD, organised annually by the Ministry of Defence, honours Nigerian military personnel who sacrificed their lives in service to the nation. This includes those who died during the First and Second World Wars, the Nigerian Civil War, peacekeeping missions, and internal security operations, particularly in the fight against terrorism. The event also celebrates living veterans and provides an opportunity to rally financial and moral support for their welfare, as well as for the families of fallen service members. While Remembrance Day is observed worldwide, Nigeria’s commemoration has a unique history. Initially marked on November 11 in line with other Commonwealth nations, the date was later moved to January 15 to mark the end of the Nigerian Civil War and reflect the country’s own historical journey. The 2026 ceremony comes at a time of notable security gains by the Armed Forces in the North-East and other regions. It recognises the courage, professionalism, and sacrifices of officers and soldiers working to maintain peace and security for Nigerians. The Federal Government reiterated its appreciation for these gallant personnel and called on citizens, organisations, and the private sector to continue supporting service members, especially wounded soldiers and families of fallen heroes.

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Vice President Shettima Represents Tinubu At G20 Leaders’ Summit In South Africa

Vice President Kashim Shettima left Abuja on Friday to stand in for President Bola Tinubu at the G20 Leaders’ Summit in Johannesburg, South Africa. President Tinubu had postponed his planned trip to Johannesburg to receive additional security briefings following recent incidents in Kebbi and Kwara states. The summit, taking place from Saturday, November 22, to Sunday, November 23, at the Johannesburg Expo Centre, is hosted by South African President Cyril Ramaphosa, who currently presides over the G20. The gathering brings together leaders from the world’s 20 largest economies, alongside representatives from the European Union, African Union, and major financial institutions. Vice President Shettima is scheduled to return to Nigeria after completing his engagements at the summit.

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Shettima To Visit Kebbi To Console Families Of Abducted Schoolgirls

Vice President Kashim Shettima is scheduled to visit Kebbi State on Wednesday to console the state government and reassure parents and guardians of the recently abducted schoolgirls. The visit, directed by President Bola Tinubu, underscores the federal government’s commitment to ensuring the swift and safe return of the students. During his visit, Shettima will meet with Governor Mohammed Nasir Idris and local officials to assess the situation and coordinate with security agencies working on the rescue operations. President Tinubu, in a statement, expressed deep sorrow over the abduction and also extended condolences to the Nigerian military following the deaths of soldiers, including Brigadier General Musa Uba, who were killed while combating insurgents in Borno State. Emphasizing the importance of community cooperation in tackling insecurity, Tinubu urged residents, particularly in high-risk areas, to provide information that can assist the military, police, and Department of State Services (DSS) in securing communities. “Our security forces cannot succeed in protecting us if the people don’t cooperate and share information that will help them keep our communities safe. I urge community leaders and compatriots across the country, especially those in the theatres of operations, to share useful information. Your cooperation is crucial in our fight against these security challenges,” the President said. Shettima’s visit aims to offer reassurance to families, strengthen coordination between federal and state authorities, and support ongoing efforts to rescue the abducted schoolgirls.

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VP Shettima Departs For Brazil To Represent Tinubu At UN Climate Change Summit

Vice President Kashim Shettima has left Abuja for Belem, Brazil, to represent President Bola Tinubu at the 30th United Nations Climate Change Conference, starting Tuesday, November 6. According to Stanley Nkwocha, Senior Special Assistant to the Vice President on Media and Communication, Shettima will join world leaders, business executives, and global development partners for the two-day summit, which is hosted by Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva. The event, themed “Climate Action and Implementation,” will focus on adaptation, forest protection, biodiversity, and climate justice. On the first day, Shettima is expected to deliver Nigeria’s climate action address during the general plenary, participate in the launch of the Tropical Forest Forever Fund, and attend a roundtable on Climate and Nature chaired by President Lula. He will also join an Amazonian Cocktail for heads of delegation. On the second day, he will take part in discussions on energy transition and the Paris Agreement, emphasizing countries’ Nationally Determined Contributions and global climate finance. Shettima is also set to hold bilateral talks to secure Nigeria’s role in global carbon markets, potentially unlocking $2.5bn–$3bn annually in carbon finance over the next decade. Following the summit, he will visit Brasília for a diplomatic meeting with Brazilian Vice President Geraldo Alckmin, focusing on strengthening Nigeria–Brazil cooperation in sectors such as defence, agriculture, energy, and culture. Shettima is expected back in Nigeria after completing his engagements in Brazil.

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Tinubu Approves 8,800 Health Centers Nationwide Shettima Calls Private Sector Involvement in Healthcare

President Bola Tinubu has approved the creation of over 8,800 new Primary Healthcare Centres across Nigeria, along with the upgrade of existing tertiary institutions to address trauma, oncology, and infectious diseases. Vice President Kashim Shettima made the announcement during the commissioning of the Sulaiman Adebola Adegunwa Trauma Centre in Sagamu, Ogun State, on Saturday. He emphasized the need for greater private sector participation in healthcare reforms, stressing that the government alone cannot address the sector’s challenges. Shettima highlighted the Trauma Centre as a vital addition to Nigeria’s emergency care infrastructure, aligning with the government’s Health Sector Renewal Initiative. He noted the importance of trauma care in a rapidly urbanizing nation. He also praised the philanthropic efforts of Sulaiman Adebola Adegunwa, whose foundation built the facility. Shettima urged more philanthropists to invest in healthcare development. The Trauma Centre, built within Olabisi Onabanjo University Teaching Hospital, is part of the government’s broader plan to overhaul Nigeria’s healthcare system, including a National Health Insurance Scheme and a Digital Health Information Management System. The event also celebrated Adegunwa’s 80th birthday, with Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun praising his legacy of philanthropy. The Governor commended the improvement of Olabisi Onabanjo University and the commissioning of the Trauma Centre. Adegunwa expressed his gratitude for the support and emphasized the importance of giving back to the community. He also recalled his past contributions to the university, highlighting the institution’s special place in his heart. The Chairman of the Board of Management of Olabisi Onabanjo University Teaching Hospital, Dr. Kunle Hassan, acknowledged the trauma center’s potential to significantly improve healthcare delivery and pledged to ensure its long-term success. Traditional ruler Oba Babatunde Adéwálé Àjàyí also called for more federal presence in Remoland, pointing out the lack of federal universities and polytechnics in the area.

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