BY EDMOND ODOK – President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and his wife, Senator Oluremi, are expected to leave Abuja on Wednesday for a three-day State visit to France following an invitation from President Emmanuel Macron.
Presidential Spokesperson, Mr Bayo Onanuga, said in a statement that President Tinubu’s visit will focus on strengthening political, economic, and cultural relations as well as establishing more opportunities for partnership, particularly in agriculture, security, and education, promises significant benefits for Nigeria.
Onanuga further stated that other pivotal areas on the President’s plate during the visit include health, youth engagement, employment, innovation, and energy transition.
He disclosed that the President and his wife, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, will be received on Thursday at the 350-year-old French military museum, Les Invalides and Palais de l’Élysée, by President Macron and his spouse, Brigitte, for initial ceremonies that will dovetail into bilateral meetings.
According to him, President Tinubu and President Macron will, during the visit, also 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.
Additionally, the Presidential aide said both leaders will participate in political and diplomatic meetings highlighting shared values on finance, solid minerals, trade and investments, and communication, while also witnessing a session by the France-Nigeria Business Council, which oversees private sector participation in economic development.
On their part, Macron’s Wife, Brigitte, and Nigeria’s First Lady, Oluremi, will discuss the latter’s passion for empowering women, children, and the most vulnerable through the Renewed Hope Initiative.
The statement added that before their departure home, President Tinubu and his wife would be hosted at a state dinner by the French leader to underscore the importance of the relationship between both countries.
Onanugu said President Tinubu will be accompanied by top government officials on this trip which serves as part of the administration’s commitment to advancing Nigeria’s global partnerships and fostering economic growth on a sustainable basis.
