JUST IN: Tinubu shelves UNGA79 trip to address national challenges

President Bola Tinubu will not attend the 79th session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York this year.

In his stead, Vice President Kashim Shettima will lead Nigeria’s delegation to the annual summit.

Tinubu “wants to focus on domestic issues and address some of the country’s challenges, especially after the recent devastating flooding,” a statement from the President’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Mr. Bayo Onanuga, revealed on Thursday.

The statement is titled ‘Vice President Shettima to Lead Nigeria’s Delegation to the 79th United Nations General Assembly.’

It read, “President Bola Tinubu will not attend the 79th session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York this year.

“Therefore, the President has directed Vice President Kashim Shettima to lead Nigeria’s delegation.”

Tinubu, who returned to the country last Sunday after his trips to China and the United Kingdom, “wants to focus on domestic issues and address some of the country’s challenges, especially after the recent devastating flooding,” said Onanuga.

At UNGA 79, Vice President Shettima will deliver Nigeria’s national statement to the General Assembly, attend important sideline events, and hold bilateral meetings.

The high-level General Debate, with the theme “Leaving No One Behind: Acting Together for the Advancement of Peace, Sustainable Development, and Human Dignity for Present and Future Generations,” will run from Tuesday, September 24, through Saturday, September 28, 2024.