Nigeria’s Vice President Kashim Shettima has joined world leaders at the opening of the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York….reports Africa daily News Desk
Nigerian Vice President Kashim Shettima on Tuesday joined world leaders at the United Nations Headquarters in New York for the opening of the General Debate of the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly.
Shettima is representing President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and leading Nigeria’s delegation at the global gathering, which is being held from September 22 to 28 under the theme, “Restoring trust, managing transformation: A United Nations that delivers for all.”
The Vice President earlier attended a welcome breakfast hosted by UN Secretary General António Guterres for heads of delegation and their spouses.
Shettima arrived at the General Assembly Hall alongside Governors Dauda Lawal of Zamfara State, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq of Kwara State and Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers State.
Nigeria’s delegation also includes Defence Minister Gen Christopher Musa (retd), Foreign Affairs Minister Bianca Odumegwu Ojukwu, Nigeria’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations Senator Jimoh Ibrahim and other senior government officials.
The General Debate opened with remarks by Guterres and addresses from world leaders, including Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva and US President Donald Trump.
Shettima is scheduled to deliver Nigeria’s national statement before the General Assembly on Thursday, September 24. His address is expected to outline Nigeria’s position on major global issues and the priorities of the Tinubu administration, including reform of international institutions, sustainable development, peace and security, climate action and a more equitable global economic order.
On his way from the UN Headquarters, Shettima, accompanied by governors, ministers, presidential aides and other members of the Nigerian delegation, made a brief stop at Nigeria House in New York.
Earlier in his engagements in New York, Shettima represented President Tinubu at the Third High Level Roundtable of the Africa Minerals Strategy Group.
At the meeting, he called for a continental push to reduce Africa’s dependence on raw mineral exports and develop processing, manufacturing and value addition industries around the continent’s critical resources.
Shettima said Africa’s mineral wealth should translate into jobs, industrial growth and improved living standards, while urging countries to strengthen cooperation rather than compete through concessions that reduce the value derived from their natural resources.
The Vice President is also scheduled to participate in other high level and bilateral engagements during the UN General Assembly week as Nigeria seeks to advance its national interests and strengthen cooperation with international partners.
