Tinubu Begins Three-day State Visit To France Wednesday
* Nigerian and French presidents to hold bilateral talks on security, economy, energy transition, health, etc
* First lady, top govt officials including ministers to accompany president on the trip
Deji Elumoye in Abuja
President Bola Tinubu will on Wednesday depart Abuja for a state visit to France on the invitation of President Emmanuel Macron.
In a statement issued on Tuesday by the Information and Strategy Adviser to the President, Bayo Onanuga, 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 Tinubu 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 Macron and his spouse, Brigitte, for initial ceremonies that will dovetail into bilateral meetings.
During the visit, President Tinubu and his French counterpart, 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 Oluremi will discuss the latter’s passion for empowering women, children, and the most vulnerable through the Renewed Hope Initiative.
President Tinubu and his wife will be hosted at a state dinner by the French leader before returning to the nation’s capital, Abuja.
Top government officials will accompany President Tinubu on the trip.
