President Bola Tinubu on Thursday commenced a two-day state visit to France ostensibly to deepen economic cooperation between the two nations.
French President Emmanuel Macron welcomed Tinubu at the historic Invalides Memorial Complex in Paris, marking a Nigerian leader’s first official state visit to France in over two decades.
The visit underscores France’s efforts to strengthen ties with English-speaking Africa following recent diplomatic challenges with former allies on the continent.
The Daily Crucible reports that the President Bola Tinubu, accompanied by First Lady Senator Oluremi Tinubu, arrived in Paris on Wednesday evening for the three-day State Visit to fortify Nigeria-France relations.
They touched down at Orly Airport around 5:10 p.m. yesterday,(Nigerian time) and the President Tinubu was welcomed with full military honours by the French Republican Guard, marking a ceremonial start to his visit.
The official engagements began on Thursday morning at the historic Les Invalides, where French President Emmanuel Macron and First Lady Brigitte Macron warmly received President Tinubu. There will with be a distinguished reception at the Palais de l’Élysée, honouring the Nigerian leader later.
The visit aims to enhance bilateral ties, focusing on key areas such as agriculture, security, education, health, youth engagement, innovation, and energy transition. It promises substantial benefits for Nigeria.
In collaboration with President Macron, President Tinubu will also address initiatives to boost youth exchange programs and enhance skills in automation, entrepreneurship, and leadership.
The visit includes strategic political and diplomatic discussions on shared values concerning finance, solid minerals, trade and investment, and communication.
Additionally, both leaders will attend a session hosted by the France-Nigeria Business Council, coordinating private sector involvement in economic development.
Brigitte Macron and Nigeria’s First Lady will discuss empowering women, children, and vulnerable populations through Nigeria’s First Lady’s Renewed Hope Initiative.
President Tinubu and his wife will attend a state dinner hosted by the French President before their departure, according to Bayo Onanuga, his Special Adviser(Information & Strategy).
