The anticipated trip of Vice President Kashim Shettima to the US has been called off due to a technical problem with the aircraft he was to travel in.
In light of this development, the responsibility to represent President Bola Tinubu at the 2024 US-Africa Business Summit in Dallas, Texas now falls on the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Tuggar.
According to a statement released by the Presidency and signed by Shettima’s Spokesperson, Mr. Stanley Nkwocha in the evening of Monday, the decision for Shettima to change his plans was made following advice from the Presidential Air Fleet.
Titled ‘Minister of Foreign Affairs To Now Represent President Tinubu at US-Africa Summit,’ the statement also mentioned that Vice President Shettima has returned to Abuja and will resume his other national duties.
The US-Africa Business Summit, scheduled to be held at the Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center, will witness the gathering of political and business figures from Africa, the USA, and various other regions.
Organized by the Corporate Council on Africa, the summit comprises of important discussions, networking opportunities, and panel discussions.
Among the African leaders expected to attend are Presidents Joseph Boakai of Liberia, Lazarus Chakwera of Malawi, Joao Lourenço of Angola, Mokgweetsi E. K. Masisi of Botswana, José Maria Neves of Cabo Verde, and the Deputy Prime Minister of Lesotho, Nthomeng Majara.