President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has delegated Vice President Kashim Shettima to represent Nigeria at the Golden Jubilee celebration marking 50 years of independence for São Tomé and Príncipe.
According to information released by the presidency on Friday, Vice President Shettima is scheduled to depart Abuja on Saturday, July 12, for São Tomé, the capital of the Democratic Republic of São Tomé and Príncipe.
The delegation comes as President Tinubu is currently outside the country, having attended the 17th BRICS Summit in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
Shettima will join other African and international leaders at the grand finale of activities commemorating the island nation's half-century of independence. The celebration will feature official speeches, military parades, cultural displays, and traditional performances showcasing the country's rich heritage and national unity.
Nigeria-São Tomé Bilateral Relations
Nigeria and São Tomé and Príncipe maintain strong bilateral relations, particularly through their strategic collaboration in the Gulf of Guinea. This partnership is formally institutionalized under the Nigeria–São Tomé and Príncipe Joint Development Authority (NSTPJDA), which oversees the Joint Development Zone (JDZ).
Beyond economic cooperation, Nigeria has extended significant support to the island nation through technical assistance, donations, and humanitarian aid, notably during the COVID-19 pandemic when Nigeria provided critical resources to help the smaller nation manage the global health crisis.
The Vice President's participation in the independence celebration underscores Nigeria's commitment to strengthening diplomatic ties with fellow African nations and supporting regional stability and cooperation.
Vice President Shettima is expected to return to Nigeria immediately following the conclusion of the anniversary celebrations.
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