President Bola Tinubu is set to embark on a historic state visit to France on Wednesday, marking the first such visit by a Nigerian leader in 24 years.
This visit is particularly significant, as it comes at the invitation of French President Emmanuel Macron, the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, has announced in a statement on Tuesday.
During his visit, Onanuga said Tinubu will be received at the prestigious Les Invalides and Palais de l’Élysée, where he will meet with President Macron and his wife, Brigitte. The initial ceremonies will pave the way for bilateral meetings, where the two leaders will discuss key areas of cooperation.
This visit is expected to strengthen relations between Nigeria and France, with a focus on energy transition, defense, education, innovation, and cultural exchange. The two nations have a long history of cooperation, and this visit marks an important milestone in their bilateral relations.
It’s worth noting that President Tinubu has been actively engaging with world leaders to promote Nigeria’s interests and strengthen its global partnerships. This visit to France is a testament to his commitment to diplomacy and cooperation.
The statement partly read: “The Nigerian leader’s three-day visit, which will focus on strengthening political, economic, and cultural relations and establishing more opportunities for partnership, particularly in agriculture, security, education, health, youth engagement and employment, innovation, and energy transition, promises significant benefits for Nigeria.
“President Bola Tinubu and his wife, Sen. Oluremi Tinubu, will be received on Thursday at the 350-year-old French military museum, Les Invalides and Palais de l’Élysée, by Macron and his spouse, Brigitte, for initial ceremonies that will dovetail into bilateral meetings.
“During the visit, President Bola Tinubu and President Macron will harmonise positions on stimulating more interest in exchange programmes that focus on skill development for youths and improving their competencies in automation, entrepreneurship, innovation, and leadership.
“Both leaders will participate in political and diplomatic meetings highlighting shared values on finance, solid minerals, trade and investments, and communication. They will also witness a session by the France-Nigeria Business Council, which oversees private sector participation in economic development.
“Brigitte and Nigeria’s First Lady will discuss the latter’s passion for empowering women, children, and the most vulnerable through the Renewed Hope Initiative.”
The statement noted that President Bola Tinubu and his wife will be hosted at a state dinner by the French leader before their departure.
Top government officials will accompany President Bola Tinubu on the trip, the statement noted.
