By Osaretin Osadebamwen
Vice-President Kashim Shettima has departed Abuja to represent President Bola Tinubu at the 69th Ordinary Session of the Authority of the Heads of State and Government of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) in Freetown, Sierra Leone.
Shettima left Nigeria’s capital on Sunday morning ahead of the regional summit, which is scheduled to hold at the Julius Maada Bio International Conference Centre in Freetown. He is expected to join other West African leaders, government officials and business stakeholders at the high-level meeting.
According to a statement issued by his spokesperson, Stanley Nkwocha, the Vice-President’s participation is part of Nigeria’s continued engagement with regional partners on issues affecting West Africa.
The 69th ECOWAS summit is expected to deliberate on major regional concerns, including peace and security, democratic governance, economic development, trade expansion and deeper regional integration among member states.
The meeting forms part of ECOWAS mid-year statutory activities, which bring together heads of state and government, ministers, senior officials and regional institutions to review progress and make strategic decisions on shared priorities.
Discussions at the summit are expected to focus on strengthening cooperation among West African countries, addressing security challenges, promoting economic growth and advancing sustainable development across the region.
Shettima is expected to return to Abuja after concluding his official engagements in Sierra Leone, where he will represent Nigeria and contribute to discussions aimed at shaping the future of the ECOWAS bloc.
