Vice President Kashim Shettima represented President Bola Ahmed Tinubu at the inauguration of President Alassane Ouattara for a new term in office as President of Côte d’Ivoire in Abidjan. The ceremony brought together several African leaders and international partners, underscoring the importance of regional cooperation and diplomatic engagement across West Africa.

World leaders present at the event included the Presidents of South Africa, Ghana, Senegal, Liberia, Gambia, and Angola, as well as former Nigerian President Goodluck Jonathan. A United States delegation led by the Under Secretary of State for Economic Affairs, Jacob Helberg, and top officials from ECOWAS also attended. In his inaugural speech, President Ouattara pledged to promote national unity, economic growth, and stronger diplomatic relations.

On the sidelines of the inauguration, Vice President Shettima held talks with the Managing Director for Operations of the World Bank Group, Ms. Anna Bjerde, who commended Nigeria’s economic reforms and pledged deeper partnership in energy, job creation, and gender empowerment. She also revealed plans to support improved electricity access for millions of Nigerians, as well as expand programmes for the education and empowerment of the girl-child.