VICE PRESIDENT SHETTIMA JOINS AFRICAN LEADERS TO WITNESS INAUGURATION OF GABONESE PRESIDENT

Vice President Kashim Shettima represented Nigeria at the inauguration of Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguema as the President of Gabon on Saturday. The ceremony, held at the Stade de l’Amitié sino-gabonaise in Libreville, Gabon, was attended by thousands of Gabonese citizens and several world leaders.

Senior Special Assistant to The President on Media & Communications, Stanley Nkwocha, in a statement, said Vice President Shettima was joined on the short trip by Chairman, House Committee on Police Affairs, Hon Usman Bello Kumo, and the Special Adviser to the President on General Duties (Office of the Vice President), Dr. Aliyu Modibbo. Nkwocha said the inauguration ceremony featured military parades, marchpast, and a display of Gabon’s rich cultural heritage.

In his inauguration speech, President Nguema thanked citizens for their overwhelming support and pledged to work hard for the development of Gabon. “I thank the Gabonese people for the trust they have placed in me,” he said. “I pledge to work hard for the development of Gabon, empower the youth, and secure the future of our nation.” Nkwocha noted that Vice President Shettima has since returned to Abuja after the ceremony.

The event was attended by several heads of state, including President Teodoro Obiang Nguema of Equatorial Guinea, Paul Kagame of Rwanda, and John Dramani Mahama of Ghana. Nkwocha confirmed the presence of these dignitaries, highlighting the significance of the event for regional cooperation and diplomatic relations. Nkwocha’s statement provided insight into the importance of the inauguration for Nigeria’s relations with Gabon and the broader Central African Economic Community.