ECOWAS summit: Shettima departs Abuja for Sierra Leone to rep Tinubu
By: Abudu Olalekan
Vice President Kashim Shettima is set to continue his diplomatic outreach missions to regional and international counterparts. He departs Abuja this Sunday, en route Freetown, Sierra Leone, to represent President Bola Tinubu at the 69th Ordinary Session of the Authority of Heads of State and Government of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).
The West African sub-region, indeed, faces several political and economic challenges requiring immediate resolution.
The Senior Special Assistant to the Vice President on Media and Communications, Stanley Nkwocha, disclosed the news of Shettima’s departure on Sunday, October 15, saying the vice president would hold consultations with other political and business leaders at the Julius Maada Bio International Conference Center.
The significance of this meeting cannot be overstated as critical issues affecting the 15-nation regional bloc are due for resolution.
These include matters pertaining to peace, democracy, and economic development, as well as strategies for effective regional integration.
Security and trade issues between member states are also expected to be high on the agenda.
“Apart from promoting peaceful co-existence and democratic governance, the meeting provides an opportunity for strengthening regional cooperation for sustainable development, including regional security and free trade,” reads the statement by Stanley Nkwocha.
Accordingly, the 69th Ordinary Session of the Authority of Heads of State and Government of ECOWAS is a mid-year statutory meeting slated to deliberate on issues affecting the West African sub-region.
The meeting will take place under the theme “Strengthening Regional Cooperation for Sustainable Development,” with representatives from member states, other government agencies, and regional entities present.
Notably, there is every expectation that significant agreements will be reached at the meeting, considering the many issues affecting member states that require a coordinated effort to overcome.
The regional bloc’s political and economic fortunes are indeed dynamic, requiring frequent consultations to keep the member states on the same page.
According to Reportersroom’s sources, the VP has a tight schedule in Freetown and will return to Abuja immediately after his meetings.
Olalekan A. Abudu is a seasoned and dedicated News Journalist at REPORTERS ROOM, with over eight years of experience. He specializes in politics, climate change, health, and education, while also covering security, economic, and judicial issues. Committed to accuracy and balanced reporting, Olalekan exemplifies the principles of public-interest journalism.
