Rita Odafe
Nigeria’s President, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, has landed in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, to engage in the 38th Ordinary Session of the African Union (AU) Heads of State and Government.
The summit, taking place from February 14 to 18, 2025, gathers African leaders to deliberate on significant issues facing the continent.
Bayo Onanuga, the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, announced Tinubu’s arrival through a statement released on Friday, titled ‘President Tinubu arrives Ethiopia for AU summit.’
Upon arrival, the President was welcomed at the airport by Nasir Aminu, the Ethiopian Deputy Charge d’Affaires at the Nigerian Embassy in Ethiopia.
A briefing led by Ambassador Tuggar outlined the summit’s agenda and noted Nigeria’s diplomatic achievements, including the election of Bankole Adeoye for another term as the African Union Commissioner for Political Affairs, Peace, and Security. This role bolsters Nigeria’s standing in crucial continental matters, while Nigeria also continues its membership on the AU Peace and Security Council.
Tuggar pointed out that Nigeria’s ongoing participation in the Peace and Security Council underscores its commitment to fostering peace and stability throughout Africa.
The briefing was attended by high-ranking officials, such as Finance Minister Wale Edun, Defence Minister Abubakar Badaru, Trade and Investment Minister Jumoke Oduwole, Aviation Minister Festus Keyamo, Information Minister Muhammed Idris, Environment Minister Balarabe Lawal, and State Minister for Finance Doris Uzoka-Anite. The meeting also included the Director-General of the National Intelligence Agency, Mohammed Mohammed, and Chief of Naval Staff Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ogalla.
This year’s AU summit is themed ‘Justice for Africans and People of African Descent Through Reparations,’ with an emphasis on reparatory justice and healing from racial injustices.
President Tinubu is set to present a significant address during the AU Peace and Security Council meeting, focusing on security dilemmas affecting the continent, such as the ongoing conflict in the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Additionally, the President will engage in discussions covering health financing, the establishment of an Africa Credit Rating Agency, and climate change initiatives.
Tinubu is anticipated to return to Abuja on Monday, February 17, 2025.
