By SALISU SANI-IDRIS

Vice President Kashim Shettima has arrived in Luanda, Angola, to represent Nigeria at the 21st Extraordinary Session of the African Union Assembly.

Mr Stanley Nkwocha, Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Communications, disclosed this in a statement on Saturday.

Nkwocha said Shettima was received upon arrival by senior Angolan government officials and members of Nigeria’s delegation already in Luanda.

Among Nigerian officials present were Foreign Affairs Minister, Amb. Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, and Defence Minister, Gen. Christopher Musa (rtd.).

Others included Nigeria’s acting Chargé d’Affaires in Angola, Amb. Maxy Ogbede; Interior Minister, Dr Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo; and Regional Development Minister, Abubakar Momoh.

The Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, was also among senior government officials attending the summit.

The extraordinary summit is with the theme ‘Strengthening Mechanisms for Conflict Prevention and Resolution in Africa’, focusing on continental peace and security challenges.

Nkwocha said the meeting would enable African leaders to review existing mechanisms for preventing and resolving conflicts across the continent.

He said the summit would also provide an opportunity for member states to strengthen collective approaches towards addressing emerging security challenges.

Following his arrival, Shettima received a briefing from Odumegwu-Ojukwu and Nigerian Mission officials on issues expected to dominate the summit.

The briefing focused on key matters on the summit’s agenda and Nigeria’s expected contribution to discussions on conflict prevention and resolution.

Shettima’s participation underscores Nigeria’s continued engagement in AU efforts aimed at promoting peace, stability and effective mechanisms for resolving conflicts across Africa. (NAN)