Tinubu arrives in Paris, France, for state visit

President Bola Tinubu, accompanied by First Lady Sen. Oluremi Tinubu, arrived in Paris on Wednesday evening, marking the beginning of a three-day state visit to France aimed at fortifying Nigeria-France relations.

The President’s plane touched down at Orly Airport about 5:10 p.m., where he was welcomed with full military honours by the French Republican Guard.

The official engagements will commence on Thursday at the historic Les Invalides, where French President Emmanuel Macron and First Lady Brigitte Macron will warmly receive the Nigerian leader.

The visit will continue with a distinguished reception at the Palais de l’Élysée, honouring the Nigerian leader.

The aim of the visit is to enhance bilateral ties, focusing on key areas such as agriculture, security, education, health, youth engagement, innovation, and energy transition.

According to Mr. Bayo Onanuga, the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy in a statement on Wednesday, President Tinubu’s visit promises substantial benefits for Nigeria, particularly in the areas of youth exchange programs and skills enhancement in automation, entrepreneurship, and leadership.

In collaboration with President Macron, Tinubu will address initiatives to boost the programmes, which are expected to have a positive impact on Nigeria’s youth.

The visit will also include strategic political and diplomatic discussions on shared values concerning finance, solid minerals, trade and investment, and communication.

Both leaders will attend a session hosted by the France-Nigeria Business Council, coordinating private sector involvement in economic development.

This session is expected to yield significant benefits for Nigeria’s economy.

In addition to the official engagements, Brigitte Macron and Nigeria’s First Lady will discuss empowering women, children, and vulnerable populations through Nigeria’s First Lady’s Renewed Hope Initiative.

The initiative aims to improve the lives of marginalized groups in Nigeria.

Tinubu and his wife will attend a state dinner hosted by the French President before their departure.