Shettima departs Nigeria to represent Tinubu at summits in Italy, Russia

Vice President Kashim Shettima will represent President Bola Tinubu at summits in Rome, Italy and St Petersburg, Russia.

In a statement, Olusola Abiola, director of information at the vice president’s office, said Shettima will depart Nigeria for Rome on Sunday.

Abiola said Shettima would join other global leaders at the Rome event, for the first stocktaking moment (STM) summit themed: “Transforming food systems for people, planet and prosperity”.

He added that the event will hold from Monday (July 24) to Wednesday (July 26).

He said during the summit, Shettima would chair a high-level session themed: “Innovative financing for food system transformation: the case of Nigeria”.

Abiola said the event is being organised in collaboration with the Food and Agriculture Organisation of the UN (FAO), the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD), the World Food Programme (WFP), the UN Food Systems Coordination Hub and wider UN system.

“Shettima will then proceed from Rome to St. Petersburg in Russia to represent the president at the Russia-Africa summit scheduled from Wednesday, July 26 to Saturday, July 29,” he said.

“While in Russia, the vice president will join other political and business leaders at the 2nd Russia–Africa summit and Russia–Africa economic and humanitarian forum focused on strategising to enhance relations between Russia and the African continent, among other benefits.

“Also, Vice President Shettima will participate in bilateral meetings with representatives of relevant Russian senior government officials and business leaders to discuss relations between Russia and Nigeria.”

He added that Shettima will be accompanied on the trip by senior government officials from ministries, departments and agencies (MDAs).

The vice president is expected back in the country at the end of the week.