President Bola Tinubu extended his congratulations to Shirley Botchwey, Ghana’s Minister for Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration, on her election as the new Secretary-General of the Commonwealth.
Botchwey, a former lawmaker with seven years of experience as Ghana’s foreign minister, was elected on Friday by leaders of the 56 Commonwealth nations during their meeting in Apia, Samoa. She will officially take office on April 1, 2025.
As the second African to hold the position in the Commonwealth’s 75-year history—following Chief Emeka Anyaoku of Nigeria, who served from 1990 to 2000—Botchwey’s election marks a significant milestone.
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In a statement from Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President (Information & Strategy), it was noted that Nigeria supports her candidacy for this prestigious role.
Tinubu expressed confidence that Botchwey’s extensive background in public administration, foreign affairs, and regional development makes her an ideal choice for the position.
“He trusts that Botchwey’s leadership experience will bring renewed energy to the Commonwealth’s efforts to advance meaningful economic and political partnerships that drive development and amplify the bloc’s voice in global affairs.
“President Tinubu looks forward to working with the incoming Secretary-General to advance the Commonwealth’s vision of fostering peace, equity and prosperity for all member nations.
“The President reaffirms Nigeria’s commitment to championing a Commonwealth that prioritises strengthening intra-commonwealth trade, African exports, and a unified presence at the United Nations that supports an African bid for a permanent representation at the Security Council.
“The President thanks the outgoing Commonwealth Secretary-General, Baroness Patricia Scotland, for her years of leadership and wishes her the best in her future endeavours,” the statement added.
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