Matawalle Represents Tinubu at São Tomé President’s Second-Term Inauguration

Minister of State for Defence, Dr Bello Muhammad Matawalle, has arrived in São Tomé and Príncipe to represent President Bola Ahmed Tinubu at the inauguration of President Carlos Manuel Vila Nova for a second five-year term.

Vila Nova is scheduled to be sworn in on Thursday, September 3, 2026, at the National Assembly in São Tomé.

According to the Ministry of Defence, Matawalle’s presence at the ceremony reflects Nigeria’s strong diplomatic relations with São Tomé and Príncipe and the Federal Government’s commitment to promoting democracy, good governance and peace in the Gulf of Guinea.

Vila Nova won the presidential election held on July 19, 2026.

During his visit, Matawalle is expected to deliver President Tinubu’s goodwill message to the São Toméan president and hold discussions with the country’s leadership on issues of mutual interest, particularly defence cooperation and regional security.

The Defence Ministry said Nigeria’s participation in the inauguration further demonstrates its commitment to democratic governance and regional stability in the Gulf of Guinea.

Nigeria and São Tomé and Príncipe have maintained cordial relations, with cooperation covering areas such as democracy, economic development, defence and maritime security.

• Tweet
• Share
• Share
• Share
• Share