Vice President Kashim Shettima has departed Abuja for Cotonou, Republic of Benin, to represent President Bola Tinubu at the inauguration ceremony of Benin’s President-elect, Romuald Wadagni.
The development was disclosed in a statement issued on Saturday by Mr Stanley Nkwocha, Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Communications in the Office of the Vice President.
According to the statement, the inauguration ceremony is scheduled to take place on Sunday, May 24, at the Presidential Palace in Cotonou.
Nkwocha said Shettima would join several African leaders and other international dignitaries expected to attend the event marking Wadagni’s assumption of office as President of the Republic of Benin.
He noted that Nigeria and the Republic of Benin maintain long-standing bilateral relations rooted in history, culture and economic cooperation.
The presidential aide explained that relations between both neighbouring countries are often strengthened through collaboration on border security, trade policies and energy partnerships.
“Benin and Nigeria share deep historical, socio-cultural, and economic ties,” Nkwocha stated.
He further said the Vice President was accompanied on the trip by senior government officials and aides.
According to him, Shettima is expected to return to Nigeria after participating in the inauguration activities in the Republic of Benin.
