President Bola Tinubu will not attend the 79th United Nations General Assembly in New York this year.
Instead, he has chosen to focus on pressing domestic issues, particularly the severe flooding that has impacted Nigeria.
In a statement released on Thursday, Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, said, “President Bola Tinubu will not attend the 79th United Nations General Assembly session in New York this year.”
The statement also noted that Vice President Kashim Shettima will lead Nigeria’s delegation in Tinubu’s absence. “The President has thus directed Vice President Kashim Shettima to lead Nigeria’s delegation,” Onanuga added.
The UNGA, which will take place from September 24 to 28, 2024, will focus on themes of sustainable development, peace, and human dignity. VP Shettima will represent Nigeria by delivering the country’s national statement, attending key sideline events, and participating in bilateral meetings.
Onanuga explained that President Tinubu wants to address the immediate needs of Nigerians affected by recent flooding. “President Tinubu, who returned to the country last Sunday after his trip 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,” he said.
The theme for this year’s UNGA is “Leaving no one behind: Acting together for the advancement of peace, sustainable development and human dignity for present and future generations.”
