Vice President Kashim Shettima has departed Abuja for Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, following an official invitation extended by Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed.
The visit, marked by high-level bilateral engagement, is centered around key environmental and developmental initiatives, reflecting a shared interest in climate resilience, sustainable agriculture, and economic cooperation between the two African nations.
In a statement released by his spokesperson, Stanley Nkwocha, Shettima is scheduled to participate in the formal launch of Ethiopia’s Green Legacy Programme—a national campaign aimed at combating deforestation, restoring biodiversity, and addressing the escalating impacts of climate change.
The initiative targets the planting of 20 billion tree seedlings over a four-year timeframe, making it one of Africa’s most ambitious environmental efforts.
Beyond environmental concerns, Shettima’s itinerary includes a comprehensive tour of Ethiopia’s strategic agricultural and industrial infrastructure. The vice president will visit key sites such as the Adama Industrial Zone, Mojo Poultry Farm, Shera Dibandiba Mojo Family Integrated Farm, the Lume Avocado Nursery Site, and the Bishoftu Pea Youth Farm.
These visits are intended to foster deeper collaboration between both countries in agricultural modernization, youth-driven agribusiness, and industrial expansion.
In a display of diplomatic warmth and solidarity, Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed will host Vice President Shettima and members of his delegation at a state dinner at the National Palace in Addis Ababa. This reception is expected to underscore the strength of the relationship between Nigeria and Ethiopia, as well as open the door to future agreements and joint initiatives.
The statement also highlighted the historical and strategic ties between both countries, especially in the realms of military cooperation, regional peacekeeping missions, and economic collaboration.
It emphasized that the current visit is designed to not only reaffirm those ties but also identify new opportunities in climate action, food security, and sustainable industrialization, which are now high on the agenda of both governments.
What You Should Know
Vice President Shettima’s trip to Ethiopia is his latest diplomatic engagement aimed at positioning Nigeria as a key player in Africa’s collective response to climate change and sustainable development.
His involvement in the Green Legacy Programme signals Nigeria’s growing commitment to regional climate action and cross-border cooperation on environmental issues.
