Plane Strike Forces Shettima to Cancel Samoa Trip

Shettima Withdraws from CHOGM After Plane Incident

“The summit began on the Pacific island on 21 October...”

VP Shettima's CHOGM Trip Cut Short: Plane Damaged at JFK Airport - Read Latest

Vice President Kashim Shettima's trip to the 2024 Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) in Samoa has been cut short due to a shocking incident. President Bola Tinubu had entrusted Shettima to represent Nigeria at the summit, but unfortunately, he'll be returning home without making an appearance in Samoa.

The presidency announced the cancellation of Shettima's trip on Thursday night, revealing that a foreign object struck his plane during a stopover at JFK Airport in New York. According to Bayo Onanuga's statement, "“The foreign object damaged the cockpit windscreen of the plane.” Thankfully, Nigeria will still be represented at the summit.

It's worth noting that CHOGM 2024, held from October 21-26, brings together leaders from 56 member countries to discuss global challenges and opportunities. This year's meeting is particularly significant as it's the first to be held in a Pacific Small Island Developing State.

Pointers:

Incident: Foreign object hits Vice President Shettima's plane at JFK Airport

Cancellation: Shettima's trip to CHOGM 2024 cut short

Representation: Nigeria will still be represented at the summit

CHOGM 2024: October 21-26, Apia, Samoa

Significance: First CHOGM in a Pacific Small Island Developing State

The Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) is a biennial gathering where leaders from Commonwealth countries come together to discuss global challenges and opportunities. This year's CHOGM, held in Apia, Samoa, from October 21-26, 2024, marks a significant milestone as it's the first to take place in a Pacific Small Island Developing State.

The theme for CHOGM 2024 is “One Resilient Common Future: Transforming our Common Wealth,” focusing on building resilience, unlocking potential, and fostering a connected, digital Commonwealth. This meeting provides a platform for leaders to address pressing issues, including global economic, environmental, and security challenges. They'll also explore ways to empower the Commonwealth's 1.5 billion young people for a more peaceful and sustainable future.

CHOGM 2024 Key Events:

• Joint Forums Opening Ceremony: October 21, 2024
• Youth Forum: October 21-22, 2024
• Women's Forum: October 21-22, 2024
• Commonwealth Business Forum: October 23-24, 2024
• Leaders' Retreat: October 26, 2024 

About CHOGM:

CHOGM has been held every two years since 1971, with 25 meetings taking place in various member countries. The meeting brings together leaders from the 56 member countries of the Commonwealth to promote democracy, human rights, and sustainable development.

“President Tinubu, acting promptly, has approved a ministerial delegation to represent Nigeria at the summit in the Samoa capital of Apia while the plane's repair has commenced.

“The delegation, which will now represent Nigeria at the 2024 Commonwealth Heads Of Government Meeting (CHOGM) in Samoa, is being led by the Minister of Environment, Balarabe Abass Lawal.

“The summit began on the Pacific island on 21 October. It will end on 26 October. Vice-President Shettima and foreign minister Yusuf Tuggar have left New York for Nigeria.”