State Visit: Tinubu departs for France Wednesday

President Bola Tinubu will depart Abuja on Wednesday to begin a state visit to France in honour of an invitation from President Emmanuel Macron.

Special Adviser to the President on Information & Strategy, Mr Bayo Onanuga, made this known in a statement on Tuesday in Abuja.

Onanuga said Tinubu’s three-day visit would focus on strengthening political, economic, and cultural relations.

He added that the visit would establish more opportunities for partnership, particularly in agriculture, security, education, health, youth engagement and employment, innovation, and energy transition.

Similarly, the presidential aide emphasised that visit promised significant benefits for Nigeria.

He said that Tinubu and his wife, Sen. 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.

“This is for initial ceremonies that will dovetail into bilateral meetings. During the visit, Tinubu and Macron will harmonise positions on stimulating more interest in exchange programmes.

“It will 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,” he said.

Onanuga stated that Brigitte and Nigeria’s First Lady would discuss the latter’s passion for empowering women, children, and the most vulnerable through the Renewed Hope Initiative.

He also said that President Tinubu and his wife will be hosted at a state dinner by the French leader before their departure.

According to him, top government officials will accompany President Tinubu on the trip.