Returns To Lagos

  President Bola Tinubu returned to Lagos on Friday following a three-nation tour of France, Kenya, and Rwanda. Tinubu’s aircraft touched down at about 7:12 p.m. at the Presidential Wing of the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Ikeja. According to a statement issued by his special adviser on information and strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the president was received by Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu; Deputy Governor, Femi Hamzat; Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila; Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Mudashiru Obasa; and other government officials. “President Tinubu, while in France, met with global investors, emphasising transparency and fiscal discipline and explaining the rationale for the swift implementation of the bold economic reforms his administration has instituted. “He also participated in the Africa Forward Summit in Nairobi, Kenya, co-hosted by President Emmanuel Macron of France and President William Ruto. “At the event, President Tinubu called for a reform of global financial architecture and a stronger economic integration that prioritises Africa’s growth and prosperity. “He also highlighted Nigeria’s potential in the blue economy as one of the cornerstones of Africa’s development, with a commitment to share Nigeria’s maritime intelligence infrastructure with willing Gulf of Guinea states,” the statement read. While in Nairobi, Tinubu also held a bilateral meeting with the Madagascan President, Michael Randrianirina. In Kigali, Rwanda, the President joined other African leaders, investors and chief executive officers at the Africa CEO Forum, where discussions focused on accelerating Africa’s economic transformation through regional integration and cross-border investments. He also met with Rwandan President Paul Kagame and delegations from multilateral and multinational firms, including the International Finance Corporation, APM Terminals and the Winme Group. According to the statement, the meetings recorded “notable favourable outcomes.” Tinubu also participated in panel sessions and discussions centred on his administration’s economic reform agenda. The statement further disclosed that the President would participate in the All Progressives Congress primaries scheduled to begin on Saturday while in Lagos. It added that Tinubu had earlier urged party members participating in the primaries to maintain peace and conduct themselves as “sportsmen and women in the overall interest of the party and our country.”