See how damage aircraft forces VP Shetima to cancel CHOGM 2024 summit trip

Shettima cancels CHOGM trip over damage to aircraft’s windshield in New York

Nigeria’s Vice-President, Kashim Shettima has cancelled his trip to the 2024 Commonwealth Heads Of Government (CHOGM) summit in Samoa.

Special adviser on information and strategy, Bayo Onanuga, in a statement on Thursday said the cancellation was due to damage to the vice-president’s aircraft.

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He said the incident occurred during a stopover at the John F. Kennedy International Airport in New York.

“President Tinubu, acting promptly, has approved a ministerial delegation to represent Nigeria at the summit in the Samoa capital of Apia while the plane’s repair has commenced,” Onanuga said.

“The delegation, which will now represent Nigeria at the 2024 Commonwealth Heads Of Government Meeting (CHOGM) in Samoa, is being led by the minister of environment, Balarabe Abass Lawal.”

Onanuga said the vice-president and Yusuf Tuggar, the foreign affairs minister, have left New York for Nigeria.

President Bola Tinubu directed Shettima to lead Nigeria’s delegation to the summit.

The theme of this year’s summit is resilience, unlocking potential, leveraging the Commonwealth advantage, and fostering a connected, digital Commonwealth for member countries.

Shettima was expected to participate in the People’s Forum, engage with global leaders on development issues, and attend bilateral meetings and executive sessions.

The summit which began on October 21 is billed to end on October 26.