By SALISU SANI-IDRIS

Vice-President Kashim Shettima will on Saturday depart Abuja for the city of Sao Tome, the capital of the Democratic Republic of Sao Tome and Principe.

Mr. Stanley Nkwocha, Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Communications, Office of the Vice-President, made this known in a statement on Friday in Abuja.

Nkwocha explained that Shettima would represent President Bola Tinubu at the country’s 50th National Independence Day celebration.

He said that Shettima would join other leaders across Africa and beyond at the grand finale of the activities marking the Golden Jubilee of the Central African Island nation’s independence.

According to him, the grand finale of the National Independence Day celebration will feature official speeches, parades, cultural performances, and traditional dances.

“All these will reflect the nation’s rich heritage and unity,” Nkwocha said.

He stated that Nigeria and São Tomé and Príncipe share a strong bilateral relationship, particularly focused on joint resource development in the Gulf of Guinea.

Nkwocha stated that the partnership was formalised through the Nigeria-São Tomé and Príncipe Joint Development Authority (NSTPJDA), which manages the Joint Development Zone (JDZ).

He said beyond resource management, Nigeria had also provided various forms of assistance to São Tomé and Príncipe, including technical aid, donations, and support during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Nkwocha disclosed that the vice-president is expected back in the country at the end of his engagement in Sao Tome. (NAN)