Tinubu Congratulates Ghana’s Minister, Shirley Botchwey On Election As Commonwealth Secretary-General
By: Abdulwasiu Akintunde
President Bola Tinubu has extended his congratulations to Ghana’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration, Shirley Botchwey, on her election as the next Secretary-General of the Commonwealth.
OPEN TELEVISION NAIJA (OTN) gathered that leaders from the 56 Commonwealth member nations elected Botchwey on Friday during their meeting in Apia, Samoa.
The 61-year-old diplomat, who has served as Ghana’s foreign Minister for the past seven years, will officially assume her new role on April 1, 2025.
Botchwey’s election marks a significant milestone, as she becomes only the second African to lead the Commonwealth in its 75-year history, following Nigeria’s Chief Emeka Anyaoku, who held the position from 1990 to 2000.
In a statement released on Saturday by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, President Tinubu expressed Nigeria’s full support for Botchwey’s candidacy.
He praised her deep expertise in public administration, diplomacy, and regional development, emphasizing that these qualities make her an excellent choice for the role.
The Nigerian President expressed confidence that Botchwey’s leadership would inject fresh energy into the Commonwealth’s efforts to build stronger economic and political partnerships while amplifying the organization’s influence on global issues.
Tinubu also affirmed his commitment to working with Botchwey to promote the Commonwealth’s goals of peace, equity, and prosperity for all member states.
However, he reiterated Nigeria’s dedication to advancing intra-Commonwealth trade, boosting African exports, and advocating for a permanent African seat on the UN Security Council.
Additionally, the President thanked the outgoing Secretary-General, Baroness Patricia Scotland, for her years of service and wished her success in her future endeavors.
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