Tinubu, First Lady Arrive London on State Visit Amidst Terrorist Attacks in Maiduguri
President Bola Tinubu and First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu have arrived London on state visit on the invitation of King Charles and Queen Camila.
The visit is the first by any Nigerian leader in 37 years.
Earlier, a statement by presidential spokesman Bayo Onanuga, stated that “King Charles will host President Tinubu and his wife at Windsor Castle from Wednesday, March 18, to Thursday, March 19.”
However, in a devastating incident, terrorist on Monday detonated multiples explosives in Maidugiri leaving 23 people dead, while latest reports indicates that over 150 people have been confirmed injured.
Reacting in a through his spokesman, President Tinubu described bombing as “profoundly upsetting.”
In the statement, Onanuga stated that:
“The recent news from Maiduguri, Borno State, is profoundly upsetting. I mourn those who lost their lives, sympathise with the injured and stand in solidarity with the people of Borno during this challenging time.
“I want to make it categorically clear that these acts of terror are the final desperate and frantic attempts by criminals and terrorist elements trying to instil and spread fear, as they are under constant pressure from our brave armed forces and security agencies operating in various theatres.
We will continue to intensify our efforts against all criminal elements, wherever they may be.
“I must commend the courage and fighting spirit of our patriotic troops who successfully repelled the coordinated attacks by these terrorists on military positions in the state.
The Monday attacks were desperate acts of the evil-minded terrorist groups. Our gallant military and civilian task forces will curtail and put them down.
“Just last weekend, during a security meeting with leaders of security and intelligence agencies, I approved additional equipment and operational support to enhance their capabilities. This effort is already in progress.
“Additionally, I have directed security chiefs to move to Maiduguri to take charge of the situation. I have also directed the emergency agencies to provide proper care for the injured.
There is no place in Nigeria where terrorists will find safety. We will locate them, confront them, and completely defeat them.
During the state visit, Presidency revealed that:
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, accompanied by the First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, will depart Abuja on Tuesday, March 17, for a State Visit to the United Kingdom as guests of Their Majesties King Charles III and Queen Camilla.
King Charles will host President Tinubu and his wife at Windsor Castle from Wednesday, March 18, to Thursday, March 19.
The state visit is the first by a Nigerian leader in 37 years. President Tinubu is also the first Nigerian leader to be hosted by the British monarch at Windsor Castle.
Nigeria and the United Kingdom share a deep history of ties and a special bond. The purpose of this visit is to strengthen bilateral relations and explore avenues for collaboration on issues such as immigration, trade, investment, and cultural exchange.
While at Windsor Castle, Their Majesties will invite the President and the First Lady to view a special exhibition of items from the Royal Collection related to Nigeria. Later, the King and the President will hold private discussions and meet with organisations engaged in interfaith dialogue, both nationally and internationally.
The Royal Family will host a State Banquet in honour of the Nigerian guests in the evening.
President Tinubu will also hold a bilateral meeting with Prime Minister Keir Starmer at 10 Downing Street, which will lead to expanded bilateral engagement between senior officials of the two countries. The meeting will culminate in the signing of various Memoranda of Understanding and agreements, including those on trade, investment, defence, and cultural cooperation.
President Tinubu will witness the signing of the landmark £746 million financing deal between the UK Export Finance (UKEF) and the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) and Federal Ministry of Finance to support the refurbishment of two of Nigeria’s major national maritime infrastructure – the Lagos Port Complex (Apapa Quays) and the Tin Can Island Port Complex.
The President will be the guest of honour at the Nigerian Modernism exhibition, showcasing modern arts and culture, and will also attend a reception with Nigerian and British business leaders and the diaspora community.
Members of the President’s entourage include: Senate President, Godswill Akpabio; Attorney General and Minister of Justice, Prince Lateef Fagbemi SAN; Minister of Solid Minerals, Dele Alake; Minister of Information and National Orientation, Idris Mohammed, Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Bianca Ojukwu; Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Wale Edun; and Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Dr. Jumoke Oduwole.
Others are: Minister of Culture and Creative Economy, Hannatu Musawa; Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Bosun Tijani; Minister of Defence, General Christopher Musa (rtd); National Security Adviser, Malam Nuhu Ribadu; and Director-General of the National Intelligence Agency, Ambassador Mohammed Mohammed.