Vice President Kashim Shettima has arrived 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. He is representing President Bola Tinubu and leading Nigeria's delegation to the global gathering. Shettima is scheduled to deliver Nigeria's national statement before the General Assembly on Thursday, September 24.
According to a statement issued by the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Communications, Office of the Vice President, Stanley Nkwocha, Shettima attended a welcome breakfast hosted by United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres for heads of delegation and their spouses. The Vice President arrived at the General Assembly Hall alongside the governors of Zamfara, Dauda Lawal; Kwara, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq; and Rivers, Siminalayi Fubara.
The Nigerian delegation also includes the Minister of Defence, Gen. Christopher Musa (retd.); Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu; Nigeria's Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Senator Jimoh Ibrahim; and other senior government officials. The General Debate, holding from September 22 to 28, is themed "Restoring trust, managing transformation: A United Nations that delivers for all."
The General Debate opened with remarks by Guterres and addresses by world leaders, including Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva and United States President Joe Biden, though US President Donald Trump was mentioned, it seems there might have been some confusion. Shettima's national statement will set out Nigeria's position on major global issues and President Tinubu's priorities for reform of international institutions, sustainable development, peace and security, climate action, and a more equitable global economic order.
On his way from the United Nations Headquarters, Senator 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 New York engagements, the Vice President represented Tinubu at the Third High-Level Roundtable of the Africa Minerals Strategy Group.
At the meeting, Shettima called for a new continental push to end Africa's dependence on the export of raw minerals and build processing, manufacturing, and value-addition industries around the continent's critical resources. The Vice President said Africa's mineral wealth must translate into jobs, industrial growth, and improved living standards for Africans, urging countries on the continent to strengthen cooperation rather than compete through concessions that diminish the value of their resources.
Shettima will participate in other high-level and bilateral engagements during the UNGA week as Nigeria advances its national interests and strengthens cooperation with international partners. The Vice President's participation in the UNGA 81st Session demonstrates Nigeria's commitment to global diplomacy and cooperation.
Key points
- Vice President Kashim Shettima leads Nigeria's delegation to the 81st Session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York.
- Shettima is scheduled to deliver Nigeria's national statement before the General Assembly on Thursday, September 24.
- The Vice President called for a new continental push to end Africa's dependence on the export of raw minerals.
