President Bola Tinubu has extended his congratulations to Shirley Ayorkor Botchwey, Ghana’s Minister for Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration, on her election as the incoming Secretary-General of the Commonwealth. The announcement came after leaders from the 56 Commonwealth nations convened in Apia, Samoa, where Botchwey was elected on Friday.
At 61, Botchwey is a seasoned diplomat and the first female to hold this prestigious position, set to assume office on April 1, 2025. She becomes the second African Secretary-General in the Commonwealth's 75-year history, following Nigeria’s Chief Emeka Anyaoku, who served from 1990 to 2000.
In a statement, President Tinubu expressed confidence in Botchwey’s extensive experience in public administration, foreign affairs, and regional development, deeming her an excellent fit for the role. He highlighted Nigeria’s commitment to collaborating with the new Secretary-General to promote the Commonwealth’s goals of peace, equity, and prosperity among member nations.
Additionally, the President reaffirmed Nigeria's dedication to enhancing intra-Commonwealth trade, boosting African exports, and advocating for a unified representation at the United Nations to support Africa’s bid for permanent representation on the Security Council.
Tinubu also took the opportunity to thank outgoing Commonwealth Secretary-General Baroness Patricia Scotland for her years of service and leadership, wishing her success in her future endeavors