Vice President Kashim Shettima arrived in Cotonou, capital of the Benin Republic, on Saturday ahead of the inauguration of President-elect Romuald Wadagni.
Shettima is attending the event as a special guest and representative of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu at the inauguration ceremony scheduled to take place at the Presidential Palace in Cotonou on Sunday, May 24, 2026.
The Vice President was received on arrival at the Cardinal Bernadin Gantin International Airport by Benin Republic’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, S.E.M Olushegun Adjadi Bakari; Nigeria’s Ambassador-designate to the Benin Republic, Ambassador Mopelola Adeola-Ibrahim; Minister at the Nigerian Embassy in Cotonou, Ambassador Bukar Kalambe; and the Head of Chancery, Emmanuel Nwosa.
According to a statement issued by Shettima’s media aide, Stanley Nkwocha, the Vice President was briefed on activities lined up for the inauguration by Ambassador Bakari and other diplomats.
Shettima commended the longstanding relationship between Nigeria and the Benin Republic, noting that both countries must continue to strengthen their cultural, diplomatic and socio-economic ties.
The Vice President, accompanied by senior aides and top government officials, is expected to return to Nigeria after the inauguration ceremony.
