President Tinubu arrives in Ethiopia for 38th AU summit, focuses on peace and security
President Bola Tinubu has landed in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, to attend the 38th Ordinary Session of the Assembly of the African Union (AU) Heads of State and Government.
According to reports, the summit, scheduled from February 14 to 18, 2025, will convene African leaders to deliberate on key issues affecting the continent.
Confirming Tinubu’s arrival, the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, issued a statement on Friday titled ‘President Tinubu Arrives in Ethiopia for AU Summit.’
Upon arrival, Tinubu was received at the airport by Ethiopian Deputy Chief of Protocol, Eshetu Legesse; Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Tuggar; and the Charge d’Affaires of the Nigerian Embassy in Ethiopia, Nasir Aminu.
Nigeria’s Diplomatic Achievements
During a briefing with the President, Foreign Minister Yusuf Tuggar outlined the summit’s agenda and Nigeria’s recent diplomatic strides. Among the key highlights was the re-election of Bankole Adeoye as the African Union Commissioner for Political Affairs, Peace, and Security—a development that reinforces Nigeria’s influence within the AU. Additionally, Nigeria successfully retained its seat on the AU Peace and Security Council, further solidifying its leadership role in African peace and security efforts.
Several high-ranking officials attended the briefing, including Finance Minister Wale Edun; Defence Minister Abubakar Badaru; Trade and Investment Minister Jumoke Oduwole; Aviation Minister Festus Keyamo; Information and National Orientation Minister Muhammed Idris; Environment Minister Balarabe Lawal; and State Minister for Finance Doris Uzoka-Anite. Also present were the Director-General of the National Intelligence Agency, Mohammed Mohammed, and the Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ogalla.
The 2025 AU summit is centered around the theme ‘Justice for Africans and People of African Descent Through Reparations,’ focusing on reparatory justice and racial healing.
President Tinubu is set to deliver a crucial speech at the AU Peace and Security Council meeting, where discussions will address pressing security concerns, including the ongoing conflict in the Democratic Republic of Congo. He will also engage in key meetings on health financing, the establishment of an Africa Credit Rating Agency, and climate change initiatives.
The President is expected to return to Abuja on Monday, February 17, 2025.
