President Bola Tinubu has arrived in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, to participate in the 38th Ordinary Session of the African Union (AU) Heads of State and Government Summit. The high-profile gathering, taking place from February 14 to 18, 2025, will bring together African leaders to discuss pressing challenges and opportunities facing the continent.
Tinubu’s arrival was confirmed in a statement by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, titled “President Tinubu Arrives in Ethiopia for AU Summit.”
Upon landing, he was welcomed by Ethiopian Deputy Chief of Protocol, Eshetu Legesse; Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Tuggar; and Nigeria’s Charge d’Affaires in Ethiopia, Nasir Aminu. During a briefing with Tinubu, Foreign Minister Yusuf Tuggar highlighted Nigeria’s recent diplomatic achievements within the AU.
Notably, Bankole Adeoye was re-elected as the AU Commissioner for Political Affairs, Peace, and Security, reinforcing Nigeria’s leadership in African diplomacy. Additionally, Nigeria retained its seat on the AU Peace and Security Council, a key platform for addressing regional conflicts and security matters.
Several top Nigerian officials were present at the briefing, including Finance Minister Wale Edun, Defence Minister Abubakar Badaru, Trade and Investment Minister Jumoke Oduwole, and Aviation Minister Festus Keyamo. Others in attendance were Information Minister Muhammed Idris, Environment Minister Balarabe Lawal, State Minister for Finance Doris Uzoka-Anite, National Intelligence Agency Director-General Mohammed Mohammed, and Chief of Naval Staff Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ogalla.
The 2025 AU summit is themed “Justice for Africans and People of African Descent Through Reparations,” focusing on historical injustices, reparatory justice, and racial healing. President Tinubu is expected to deliver a crucial speech at the AU Peace and Security Council meeting, where he will address pressing security concerns, including the ongoing conflict in the Democratic Republic of Congo.
He will also participate in discussions on health financing, the creation of an Africa Credit Rating Agency, and climate change strategies.
