Tinubu, Six Govs to Grace Benin Republic’s 63rd Independence Anniversary 

* Depart Abuja Tuesday

Deji Elumoye in Abuja 

President Bola Tinubu will on Tuesday, August 1, 2023, depart Abuja to honour an invitation to attend the 63rd independence anniversary of the Republic of Benin.

According to a release issued on Monday by the Special Adviser to the President on Special Duties, Communications and Strategy, Mr Dele Alake, the president, who is also the Chairman of the Authority of Heads of State and Government of the Economic Community of West African States, will be the Special Guest of President Patrice Talon at the ceremony.

President Tinubu will be accompanied on the one-day visit by six governors, who were invited by President Talon, and his personal aides.

The six governors are those of Ogun, Dapo Abiodun; Lagos, Babajide Sanwo-Olu; Oyo, Seyi Makinde; Kwara, AbdulRahman AbdulRasaq; Kebbi, Nasir Idris and 

Niger, Mohammed Umar Bago.

President Tinubu had first met with Talon on the sidelines of the summit on New Global Financing Pact in Paris, France, at the 63rd Ordinary session of the Authority of Heads of State and Government of ECOWAS held in Guinea-Bissau and more recently at the State House, Abuja along with leaders of three other West African nations, where the Benin Republic President invited him for the anniversary.

The president had drawn the attention of the Beninese leader to the need to review and strengthen cultural, trade and economic relations between their two countries, highlighting joint border patrols by the Customs and harmonizing regulations on the frontlines.