Tinubu, wife depart Abuja for France on Wednesday

President Bola Tinubu and his wife, Oluremi, will, on Wednesday, November 27, 2024, depart Abuja for a state visit to France in honour of an invitation from President Emmanuel Macron.

This was contained in a statement issued by the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, on Tuesday, November 26.

Onanuga said Tinubu’s three-day visit to France, 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, promised significant benefits for Nigeria.

He said the president and his wife would be received on Thursday at the 350-year-old French military museum, Les Invalides and Palais de l’Elysee, by Macron and his spouse, Brigitte, for initial ceremonies that would dovetail into bilateral meetings.

The presidential spokesperson added: “During the visit, President Tinubu and President 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 Nigeria’s First Lady 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 their departure.”

Onanuga disclosed that top government officials would also accompany President Tinubu on the trip.