President Tinubu congratulates Ghana’s Shirley Botchwey on election as commonwealth secretary-general
President Bola Tinubu of Nigeria has congratulated Ghana’s Foreign Affairs Minister Shirley Botchwey on her recent election as the Secretary-General of the Commonwealth, marking her as the second African to hold the position in the organization’s 75-year history.
Botchwey, a 61-year-old former lawmaker, was elected on Friday during a gathering of leaders from the 56 Commonwealth nations in Apia, Samoa, and is expected to begin her term on April 1, 2025.
In a statement from Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information & Strategy, Tinubu commended Botchwey’s extensive career in public administration, foreign affairs, and regional integration. He expressed confidence in her leadership and her ability to drive impactful partnerships within the Commonwealth, benefiting its global presence and economic development.
Tinubu also reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to working closely with Botchwey to promote the Commonwealth’s goals of fostering peace, equity, and prosperity. He highlighted Nigeria’s dedication to enhancing intra-Commonwealth trade, boosting African exports, and supporting an African bid for permanent representation on the United Nations Security Council.
The President extended his appreciation to outgoing Secretary-General Baroness Patricia Scotland for her years of service, wishing her well in her future endeavors.
