Nigeria’s President, Bola Ahmed Tinubu has congratulated the newly elected Secretary-General of the Commonwealth and Ghanaian Minister for Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration, Shirley Ayorkor Botchwey.
His felicitations were contained in a statement signed on Saturday by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Mr Bayo Onanuga, to the newly elected Commonwealth Secretary-General
President Tinubu said that he looks forward to working with her in advancing the Commonwealth’s vision of fostering peace, equity and prosperity for all member nations.
He reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to championing a Commonwealth that prioritises
a unified Africa’s presence at the United Nations, thereby supporting an African bid for a permanent representation at the Security Council.
President Tinubu expressed trusts that Botchwey’s leadership experience will infuse renewed energy to the Commonwealth’s efforts to advance meaningful economic and political partnerships that drive development and amplify the bloc’s voice in global affairs.
Applauding Botchwey’s victory, the Nigerian leader believes that the extensive career of Botchwey in foreign affairs and regional development makes her a perfect fit for the job.
He further made known Nigeria’s dedication to championing a Commonwealth that values strengthening intra-commonwealth trade and African export.
On Friday October 25, 2024 leaders of the 56 Commonwealth nations meeting in Apia, Samoa, elected Botchwey, a 61-year-old former lawmaker who has served as Ghana’s foreign minister for the last seven years, as the 7th Secretary-General.
Botchwey is now the second African to be elected secretary-general of the Commonwealth in its 75-year history, after Chief Emeka Anyaoku of Nigeria, who served in that position from July 1, 1990, to March 31, 2000.
Botchwey who had the support of Nigeria for the top commonwealth job is expected to assume office on April 1st, 2025.
President Tinubu thanks the outgoing Commonwealth Secretary-General, Baroness Patricia Scotland, for her years of leadership and wishes her the best in her future endeavours.
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