By SALISU SANI-IDRIS

Vice-President Kashim Shettima has departed Abuja for Abidjan, Cote d’Ivoire, to represent President Bola Tinubu at the inauguration of Alassane Ouattara for a fourth term in office as president.

Mr Stanley Nkwocha, Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Communications, Office of the Vice-President, said this on Sunday in Abuja.

According to Nkwocha, Shettima is expected to join other leaders across Africa and beyond to witness activities lined up for the swearing-in ceremony on Monday at the Presidential Palace In Abidjan.

Ouatara was re-elected for a fourth term in office on Oct. 25.

He said both nations collaborate significantly within ECOWAS and the African Union on security, trade, and development, formalised by a Bi-National Commission and numerous agreements.

“The agreements cover areas like anti-trafficking, agriculture, and digital economy, with strong informal trade and significant Nigerian diaspora in Côte d’Ivoire, fostering deep bilateral economic and social connections,” he said.

Nkwocha said that the vice-president was accompanied by President of ECOWAS Commission, Omar Touray; Chairman, Senate Committee on Foreign Affairs,

Sen. Abubakar Bello and Rep. Usman Zanna, representing Kaga/Gubio/Magumeri Federal Constituency.

He said that the Vice-President is expected back in Abuja at the end of the inauguration. (NAN)