FG Urged to Strengthen Relationship with UAE for Economic Benefits

Gbenga Sodeinde in Ado Ekiti

The federal government has been advised to strengthen its relationship with the United Arab Emirates (Dubai) for the economic benefits of Nigerians.

The Managing Director of Ufitfly Travel Agency, Ogunkeyede Ajibola, who gave the advice, said Nigeria and its citizens have a lot to gain when the two countries interrelate well.

Ajibola, who regretted an earlier visa ban on Nigerians, and which was later lifted, said deliberate efforts should be made for such not to repeat itself.

He stated these during a chat with journalists at the recently-concluded global convention of Prophet Sam Olu-Alo’s Christ Apostolic Church (CAC), Adamimogo Grace of Mercy Prayer Mountain Worldwide, which featured empowerment for members and non-members of the ministry.

According to him, “I want to advise the Minister of Aviation, Mr. Festus Keyamo, to do everything necessary to address the issue because of the bilateral relation between the two country. If it is strengthen, it will help boost our country’s economy.

“This is because Nigerians will have unhindered access to Dubai to do business, and to exchange a kind of international relations which have great effects on our economy. So, I am appealing to the minister to impress this on President Bola Tinubu-led federal government to expedite action on their discussion with the UAE Government to resolve the matter and ensured that Dubai is always open to Nigerians to enter for business transactions and vice versa.”

The businessman, who also spoke on the private sector managing Nigeria airports, said such would ensure effective running and management of the airports.

He said: “That is what is happening in most developed countries of the world, even in the United Kingdom, where a Nigerian owns an airport, so such can also happen here. So privatisation has been helpful to most countries that are into it.”

He added that God has been using Prophet Olu-Alo to uplift young people like him, especially young entrepreneurs, saying the man of God was the first to break the record of airlifting over 500 people to Jordan over a year ago.

“He is like John, the forerunner, he has been of tremendous help to the company called Ufitfly, even up till now. We are also planning a trip to Turkey and Jordan with the people who share in the vision of his ministry in the next few months, so God has really been using him and his ministry in shape the lives of the people,” he stated.