- Safiu Kehinde
President Bola Tinubu has arrived in Paris as his three-day State Visit commences.
This was announced in a statement issued on Wednesday by the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga.
According to the statement, Tinubu, accompanied by First Lady Senator Oluremi Tinubu, arrived in Paris on Wednesday evening for a three-day State Visit to fortify Nigeria-France relations.
The President reportedly touched down at Orly Airport around 5:10 p.m., and was welcomed with full military honours by the French Republican Guard, marking a ceremonial start to his visit.
The official engagements will begin on Thursday at the historic Les Invalides, where French President Emmanuel Macron and First Lady Brigitte Macron will warmly receive President Tinubu.
Following the official welcome, the State Visit will continue with a distinguished reception at the Palais de l’Élysée, honouring the Nigerian leader.
As contained in the statement, the visit aimed at enhanced bilateral ties, focusing on key areas such as agriculture, security, education, health, youth engagement, innovation, and energy transition between France and Nigeria.
It will also see Tinubu collaborating with President Macron in addressing initiatives to boost youth exchange programs and enhance skills in automation, entrepreneurship, and leadership.
Also, strategic political and diplomatic discussions on shared values concerning finance, solid minerals, trade and investment, and communication will be held in the course of the visit.
Additionally, both leaders will attend a session hosted by the France-Nigeria Business Council, coordinating private sector involvement in economic development.
Meanwhile, Brigitte Macron and Nigeria’s First Lady, Oluremi Tinubu, will discuss empowering women, children, and vulnerable populations through Nigeria’s First Lady’s Renewed Hope Initiative.