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Deputy President Kashim Shettima has reached Cotonou, the capital of the Republic of Benin, prior to the inauguration ofRomuald Wadagnias President of the Republic of Benin.

Shettima, invited to the event as a distinguished guest, is standing in for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu at the inauguration set to take place at the Presidential Palace in Cotonou on Sunday, May 24, 2026.

The Deputy Leader arrived at the Cardinal Bernadin Gantin International Airport, where he was greeted by the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Benin Republic, Olushegun Adjadi Bakari, along with Nigeria’s Ambassador-designate to Benin Republic, Ambassador Mopelola Adeola-Ibrahim, Minister I at the Nigerian Embassy in Cotonou, Ambassador Bukar Kalambe, and the Head of Chancery, Emmanuel Nwosa.

As per a statement released by Stanley Nkwocha, Senior Special Assistant to the President for Media and Communications, Office of the Vice President, Shettima was also informed by Bakari and other diplomats about the planned activities for the inauguration event.

Commenting on the enduring relationship between the two neighboring nations, the Vice President commended the friendly relations between Nigeria and the Republic of Benin, emphasizing the importance of enhancing cultural, diplomatic, and socio-economic collaboration.

He pointed out that the strong historical and geographical ties between the two nations highlight the necessity of maintaining and enhancing bilateral relations for shared advantages.

The Deputy President, along with senior advisors and government representatives, is set to return to Nigeria following his involvement in the inauguration events.