Tinubu jets out of Nigeria for G20summit, directs VP to visit Kebbi over schoolgirls abduction

President Bola Tinubu has directed Vice President Kashim Shettima to visit Kebbi State on Wednesday to commiserate with the government and families of kidnapped schoolgirls and assure them of their safe return.

‎In a statement issued by Presidential Spokesperson, Mr Bayo Onanuga, on Tuesday in Abuja, the President also consoled the military over the death of Brig.-Gen. Musa Uba and other soldiers killed in Borno.

‎Tinubu expressed sadness over the abduction of the students in spite of intelligence warnings about possible bandit attacks. ‎He commended Gov. Nasir Idris for efforts made to avert the incident.

‎The president urged communities, especially in security-challenged areas, to share information with the military, police and DSS to enhance safety.

‎He said security forces cannot operate optimally without the active cooperation of citizens and local communities.

‎“As the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, I am depressed with the tragic death of our soldiers and officers on active duty. May God comfort the families of Brig.- Gen. Musa Uba and other fallen heroes.

‎“I am also depressed that heartless terrorists have disrupted the education of innocent schoolgirls. I have directed the security agencies to act swiftly and bring the girls back to Kebbi,” he directed.

‎Tinubu reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to restoring peace and ensuring the safe release of the abducted schoolgirls.

Tinubu to depart Abuja Wednesday for South Africa, Angola

Meanwhile, President Bola Tinubu will depart Abuja on Wednesday for Johannesburg, South Africa and Luanda, Angola to participate in the G20 Leaders’ Summit and the AU-EU Summit.

‎This was disclosed in a statement issued by Presidential Spokesperson, Mr Bayo Onanuga, in Abuja on Tuesday.

‎“President Bola Tinubu will depart Abuja on Wednesday for a two-nation visit to Johannesburg, South Africa and Luanda, Angola.”

‎“President Tinubu’s first stop is Johannesburg, where he will attend the 20th Summit of the G20 Leaders. After the summit, he will proceed to Angola for the AU-EU Summit.”

‎Onanuga said that South Africa’s President Cyril Ramaphosa, the current G20 President, extended the invitation to Tinubu, while Brazil’s President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva did same during his tenure in 2024.

‎The G20 Summit, scheduled for Nov. 22 to 23 at the Johannesburg Expo Centre, will gather leaders of the world’s top economies, as well as representatives of the EU, AU and global institutions.

‎The theme, “Solidarity, Equality, Sustainability,” will guide deliberations across three plenary sessions.

‎“Inclusive and Sustainable Growth; Leaving No One Behind: Building our economies, the role of trade, Financing for development and the Debt burden.”

‎“A Resilient World: the G20’s Contribution to Disaster Risk Reduction; Climate Change; Just Energy Transitions; Food Systems.”

‎“A fair and Just Future for All: Critical Minerals; Decent Work; Artificial Intelligence.”

‎Tinubu is expected to hold bilateral meetings on the margins of the summit to advance the Renewed Hope Agenda and deepen discussions on regional and global peace, security and development.

‎After the G20 meetings, Tinubu will join AU and EU leaders for their 7th Summit scheduled for Nov. 24 to 25 in Luanda, Angola.

‎“The AU and EU meeting will bring together young leaders, innovators and Civil Society Organisations to brainstorm on some of the shared challenges of the two unions.”

‎“It will also provide recommendations on how to address issues related to climate change, inclusivity in development, infrastructure, the digital economy, the creative industry, manufacturing and agribusiness.”

‎According to the statement, the President will be accompanied by senior officials, including the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Tuggar.

‎Others are the Minister of Finance, Wale Edun, Minister of Solid Minerals, Dele Alake, and Minister of Trade and Investment, Jumoke Oduwole and the ‎Director-General of the National Intelligence Agency, Amb. Mohammed Mohammed.

‎Tinubu will return to Nigeria at the end of the two meetings.