Shettima leaves Abuja for Benin to represent Tinubu at Wadagni’s inauguration

Vice President Kashim Shettima has departed Abuja for Cotonou, Republic of Benin, to represent President Bola Ahmed Tinubu at the inauguration of President-elect Romuald Wadagni.

The inauguration ceremony is scheduled to hold on Sunday at the Presidential Palace in Cotonou, with leaders from across Africa and other parts of the world expected to attend.

Wadagni is expected to take the oath of office for a seven-year constitutional term in Porto-Novo, the Beninese capital, while his running mate, Mariam Chabi Talata, will also be sworn in as Vice President.

Official inauguration activities are expected to include the formal transfer of power, presentation of the presidential sash and insignia at the Presidential Palace in Cotonou, and a ceremonial motorcade procession to the Charles de Gaulle Stadium in Porto-Novo.

Nigeria and Benin Republic maintain longstanding historical, cultural and economic relations, with bilateral engagements often centred on border security, trade and energy cooperation.

The Nigerian government also reaffirmed its commitment to regional peace and integration within the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), describing stability in the sub-region as a key priority of the Tinubu administration.

Shettima, accompanied by senior government officials and aides, is expected to return to Nigeria after the inauguration ceremonies.