Matawalle Represents Tinubu at São Tomé President Vila Nova’s Inauguration
Oru Leonard
The Minister of State for Defence, Dr. Bello Muhammad Matawalle, MON, has arrived in São Tomé and Príncipe to represent President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, at the inauguration of President Carlos Manuel Vila Nova for a second five-year term.
President Vila Nova is scheduled to be sworn in on Thursday, September 3, 2026, at the National Assembly (Assembleia Nacional) in São Tomé.
Matawalle’s representation, according to the Ministry of Defence, underscores Nigeria’s strong bilateral relations with São Tomé and Príncipe and the Federal Government’s commitment to strengthening democracy, good governance, peace and regional stability in the Gulf of Guinea.
Vila Nova emerged victorious in the presidential election held on July 19, 2026.
During his visit, the Minister is expected to deliver President Tinubu’s goodwill message to the São Toméan government and engage the country’s leadership on issues of mutual interest, particularly defence cooperation and regional security.
The Ministry said Nigeria and São Tomé and Príncipe have continued to maintain cordial diplomatic relations, anchored on shared democratic values, economic cooperation and maritime security.
Matawalle’s visit also reflects Nigeria’s broader efforts to deepen regional collaboration and address emerging security challenges in the Gulf of Guinea.
