Vice President Kashim Shettima departed Abuja on Thursday for an official state visit to Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, at the invitation of Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed Ali.

According to Stanley Nkwocha, media aide to the vice president, Shettima will participate in the official launch of Ethiopia’s Green Legacy Programme, a flagship environmental initiative targeting the planting of 20 billion tree seedlings over four years. The programme aims to tackle deforestation, restore biodiversity, and curb the effects of climate change.

The visit will also focus on strengthening bilateral cooperation between Nigeria and Ethiopia, especially in the areas of agriculture and industrial development.

During his stay, Shettima is scheduled to tour several strategic sites including the Adama Industrial Zone, Mojo Poultry Farm, Shera Dibandiba Mojo Family Integrated Farm, Lume Avocado Nursery Site, and the Bishoftu Pea Youth Farm.

To cap the visit, Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed will host Vice President Shettima and his delegation at a State Dinner at Ethiopia’s National Palace.