Vice President Kashim Shettima on Monday reaffirmed Nigeria’s continued commitment to regional peace and stability in West Africa while representing President Bola Ahmed Tinubu at the inauguration of President Alassane Ouattara for another term in Abidjan.
VP Shettima conveyed President Tinubu’s warm congratulations to President Ouattara, expressing confidence in his continued leadership.
He also noted that Nigeria is committed to deepening economic ties with Côte d’Ivoire through agriculture and trade relations to advance peace, security, and prosperity across the region.
The inauguration, which took place at the Presidential Palace, gathered West African leaders and international dignitaries, including the presidents of South Africa, Liberia, and Ghana and former Nigerian President Dr Goodluck Jonathan.
President Ouattara pledged to prioritise national reconciliation and economic stability in his new mandate.
Meanwhile, on the sidelines of the inauguration, the World Bank Group applauded the reform policies of the Tinubu administration and pledged to heighten its partnership with Nigeria on energy, job creation, and gender empowerment.
Ms Anna Bjerde, the World Bank Group’s Managing Director, Operations, gave the assurance after meeting with VP Shettima.
She commended Nigeria for taking pragmatic initiatives to position the country on the right path.
Energy Focus: Ms Bjerde specifically stated, “First, on energy, we’re stepping up on a number of possibilities to ensure that about four million people are connected.”
Gender Empowerment: She also revealed that the World Bank Group will work to encourage and enhance the upliftment and education of the girl-child in Nigeria.
In his discussion with the World Bank Director, VP Shettima outlined the positive results of the administration’s bold reforms, including the removal of the oil subsidy.
He noted that the ongoing tax reforms have yielded positive results, saying, “We have crossed the Rubicon.”
The Vice President acknowledged the initial pain of the reforms but maintained that dividends are beginning to show.
He stressed that to turn the demographic bulge into demographic dividends, the administration is focusing on gender empowerment, investments in the digital economy, and agriculture.
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