President Bola  Tinubu has directed Vice President Kashim Shettima to lead Nigeria’s delegation to the 81st Session of the United Nations General Assembly, UNGA, in New York, United States.

Stanley Nkwocha, senior special assistant to the president on media and communications, made this known in a statement on Sunday in Abuja.

The 81st UNGA general debate will be held from September 22 to 28.

The theme of the UNGA is “Restoring trust, managing transformation: A United Nations that delivers for all.”

Mr Nkwocha said Mr Shettima would deliver Nigeria’s national statement at the general debate.

He said the statement would outline Nigeria’s position and priorities on major global issues with implications for national development, peace and security, economic growth and international cooperation.

The presidential aide also said that Shettima would participate in high-level meetings during the UNGA week.

Mr Nkwocha added that VP Shettima’s engagements would focus on the right to development, climate action, and other issues of strategic importance to Nigeria and the African continent.

Similarly, he said Mr Shettima is also expected to join other world leaders at the traditional reception for Heads of Delegation and participate in a series of bilateral meetings with leaders of other countries and international organisations, as well as development partners on the sidelines of the General Assembly.

“The engagements will provide Nigeria an opportunity to advance President Tinubu’s economic diplomacy, deepen strategic partnerships and strengthen the country’s voice on reform of the global financial architecture, sustainable development, climate finance and multilateral cooperation,” he said.

Mr Nkwocha said VP Shettima will return to Nigeria after concluding his engagements in New York.

 (NAN)