President Bola Tinubu has extended his congratulations to Shirley Ayorkor Botchwey, Ghana’s Minister for Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration, on her recent election as the incoming Secretary-General of the Commonwealth.
In a statement released by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, Tinubu noted that leaders from the 56 Commonwealth nations, during their meeting in Apia, Samoa, elected Botchwey, a 61-year-old seasoned diplomat and former lawmaker, as the 7th Secretary-General.
Botchwey, who has served as Ghana’s foreign minister for the past seven years, is set to assume her new role on April 1, 2025.
The statement further highlighted that Botchwey is the second African to hold this esteemed position in the Commonwealth’s 75-year history, following Nigeria’s Chief Emeka Anyaoku, who served from July 1, 1990, to March 31, 2000.
It was also emphasised that Botchwey’s candidacy for the Commonwealth’s top role enjoyed the backing of Nigeria.
“The Nigerian leader believes that Botchwey’s extensive career in public administration, foreign affairs and regional development makes her a perfect fit for the job.
“He trusts that Botchwey’s leadership experience will bring renewed energy to the Commonwealth’s efforts to advance meaningful economic and political partnerships that drive development and amplify the bloc’s voice in global affairs.
“President Tinubu looks forward to working with the incoming Secretary-General to advance the Commonwealth’s vision of fostering peace, equity and prosperity for all member nations.
“The President reaffirms Nigeria’s commitment to championing a Commonwealth that prioritises strengthening intra-commonwealth trade, African exports, and a unified presence at the United Nations that supports an African bid for a permanent representation at the Security Council.
“The President thanks the outgoing Commonwealth Secretary-General, Baroness Patricia Scotland, for her years of leadership and wishes her the best in her future endeavours,” the statement added.
