Vice President Kashim Shettima has departed Abuja for Cotonou, Republic of Benin, to represent President Bola Ahmed Tinubu at the inauguration of Romuald Wadagni as President of the Republic of Benin.
The inauguration ceremony is scheduled to take place on Sunday at the Presidential Palace in Cotonou, with leaders from across Africa and other parts of the world expected to attend.
Wadagni will officially assume office for a seven-year constitutional term during the ceremony in Porto-Novo, while his running mate, Mariam Chabi Talata, is also expected to take the oath of office as Vice President.
Benin’s inauguration activities traditionally include the formal handover of power, transfer of the presidential sash and insignia at the Presidential Palace in Cotonou, as well as a ceremonial motorcade procession to the Charles de Gaulle Stadium in Porto-Novo.
The Nigerian presidency noted that Nigeria and Benin Republic maintain strong historical, socio-cultural, and economic relations, with bilateral engagements often centred on border security, trade, and energy cooperation.
The statement also emphasised Nigeria’s continued commitment to the stability and integration of the Economic Community of West African States, despite ongoing challenges facing the regional bloc.
President Tinubu, who currently chairs ECOWAS, has consistently advocated regional peace, democratic governance, and stronger cooperation among member states since assuming office.
Vice President Shettima is accompanied on the trip by senior government officials and aides and is expected to return to Nigeria after the inauguration ceremony.
