President Bola Tinubu has arrived in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, ahead of the 38th session of the African Union (AU) Assembly of Heads of State and Government. His arrival on Thursday night follows a brief private visit to France earlier this month, as confirmed by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga.
The AU summit, scheduled to take place under the theme “Justice for Africans and People of African Descent Through Reparations,” will focus on reparatory justice and racial healing, with discussions on crucial issues impacting Africa and its diaspora.
Upon landing in Addis Ababa, President Tinubu was warmly received by key dignitaries, including Eshetu Legesse, Ethiopia’s Deputy Chief of Protocol; Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Tuggar; and Nasir Aminu, Charge d’Affaires at the Nigerian Embassy in Ethiopia. A briefing session took place late into the night, where Tuggar briefed the president on Nigeria’s recent diplomatic achievements.
Among the key highlights, Nigeria celebrated the re-election of Ambassador Bankole Adeoye as the African Union Commissioner for Political Affairs, Peace, and Security. Additionally, Nigeria retained its position on the AU Peace and Security Council, further solidifying its role as a leading force in continental peacekeeping efforts.
A number of high-ranking Nigerian officials were also present for the briefing, including ministers Wale Edun (Finance), Abubakar Badaru (Defence), Jumoke Oduwole (Trade and Investment), Festus Keyamo (Aviation), Muhammed Idris (Information and National Orientation), Balarabe Abbas Lawal (Environment), and Doris Uzoka-Anite (State for Finance), as well as top security officials like Ambassador Mohammed Mohammed, Director-General of the National Intelligence Agency, and Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ogalla, Chief of Naval Staff.
At the summit, President Tinubu is expected to deliver a speech at the Peace and Security Council meeting, addressing ongoing security challenges across the continent, including the escalating conflict in the Democratic Republic of Congo. The president will also participate in key discussions on health financing, the creation of an African credit rating agency, and the impact of climate change.
President Tinubu’s visit underscores Nigeria’s leadership role in shaping Africa’s future, as he continues to advocate for collaborative solutions to the continent’s most pressing challenges.
The president is scheduled to return to Abuja on Monday, February 17, following the conclusion of the summit.
