The Nigerian President, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, touched down late on Thursday night in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, to attend the 38th Ordinary Session of the African Union (AU) Heads of State and Government.
His arrival marked the beginning of a high-stakes diplomatic engagement, where leaders from across the continent would discuss critical issues affecting Africa’s future.
Welcoming President Tinubu at the airport were Eshetu Legesse, Ethiopia’s Deputy Chief of Protocol; Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Amb. Yusuf Tuggar; and Amb. Nasir Aminu, the charge d’affaires of the Nigerian embassy in Ethiopia.
Shortly after his arrival, the President was briefed on the summit’s agenda and Nigeria’s recent diplomatic achievements, a discussion that stretched into the early hours of Friday.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu met with his ministers Thursday night on arrival in Addis Ababa for the 38th Ordinary Session of the Assembly of the AU Heads of State. Foreign Affairs Minister Yusuf Tuggar led the briefing. pic.twitter.com/wkvUaY54Du
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One of Nigeria’s notable successes at the summit was the re-election of Amb. Bankole Adeoye as the AU Commissioner for Political Affairs, Peace, and Security. Additionally, Nigeria secured its place on the AU Peace and Security Council, reinforcing its role as a leading voice in Africa’s pursuit of stability and conflict resolution.
Also Read: AU Re-Election : President Tinubu Congratulates Ambassador Adeoye
Several high-ranking Nigerian officials were present at the briefing, including Minister of Finance Wale Edun, Minister of Defence Abubakar Badaru, Minister of Trade and Investment Jumoke Oduwole, Minister of Aviation Festus Keyamo, and Minister of Information Muhammed Idris.
Others in attendance were Minister of Environment Balarabe Abbas Lawal, Minister of State for Finance Doris Uzoka-Anite, Director-General of the National Intelligence Agency Amb. Mohammed Mohammed, and Chief of Naval Staff Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ogalla.
This year’s AU summit is centered on the theme “Justice for Africans and People of African Descent Through Reparations.” Discussions will focus on reparatory justice and addressing historical injustices.
President Tinubu is expected to deliver a speech at a high-level AU Peace and Security Council meeting, where leaders will deliberate on the continent’s most pressing security challenges, including the escalating conflict in the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Beyond security issues, the Nigerian leader will also engage in discussions on critical topics such as health financing, the establishment of an Africa Credit Rating Agency, and the continent’s response to climate change.
As African leaders gather in Addis Ababa, the summit presents an opportunity for countries to reaffirm their commitment to peace, economic development, and regional cooperation. President Tinubu’s participation underscores Nigeria’s strategic role in shaping Africa’s future.
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