Azerbaijan Foreign Affairs Minister Congratulates Shagari on NAMYO Victory

By Ayoola Ajayi

The Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Azerbaijan has congratulated Muhammad Bello Bala-Shagari on his election as Chairperson of the Non-Aligned Movement Youth Organisation (NAMYO).

The Azerbaijani Foreign Affairs Minister, in a congratulatory message posted on his X handle, described Bala-Shagari’s emergence as “a well deserved recognition” of his years of dedicated contributions to the growth and evolution of NAMYO.

He wished the newly elected chairperson “every success” in the new responsibility.

Bala-Shagari emerged Chairperson of NAMYO following a competitive multi-national election involving representatives of five member countries — Nigeria, Qatar, Tanzania, Uganda and Uzbekistan.

The contest was eventually narrowed to a final round between Nigeria and Qatar.

In the decisive round, 58 ballots were cast out of 65 eligible voters. Bala-Shagari secured 39 votes, while Qatar’s candidate, Khadeja Ahmad Albuhaqliqa, received 19 votes.

The result gave the Nigerian candidate a clear majority and secured his emergence as the new Chairperson of the youth organisation of the Non-Aligned Movement.

His election represents a significant development for NAMYO, which provides a platform for young people from member states to engage in international cooperation and address issues including youth development, peace and security, sustainable development and civic participation.

Bala-Shagari brings considerable experience in youth leadership at national, regional and international levels to the new position.

Before his election, he served as NAMYO Vice Chairperson for Africa and headed the Nigerian national chapter. He also served as President of the National Youth Council of Nigeria and has been involved in youth development, civic engagement, international cooperation and documentary filmmaking.

His emergence also carries a notable historical significance because of his family background.

Bala-Shagari is the grandson of the late former President Shehu Usman Aliyu Shagari, who was elected President of Nigeria in 1979, becoming the country’s first democratically elected executive president.

The elder Shagari assumed office at a defining moment in Nigeria’s political history, following the country’s transition from military rule to an elected civilian government.

Decades later, his grandson has emerged through a competitive international electoral process to head a youth organisation operating within the Non-Aligned Movement.

Bala-Shagari’s election thus adds a new chapter to the Shagari family’s association with elected leadership, extending it from Nigeria’s national political landscape to an international youth platform.

With the congratulatory message from the Azerbaijani Foreign Affairs Minister adding international recognition to his victory, attention will now turn to Bala-Shagari’s leadership of NAMYO and his ability to translate his experience in youth advocacy and international cooperation into programmes that advance the interests of young people across member states.