President Tinubu Arrives Lagos After France, Kenya, Rwanda Visit

President Bola Tinubu arrived in Lagos on Friday after a three-nation visit to France, Kenya, and Rwanda aimed at attracting investment and positioning Nigeria for economic growth.

The president’s aircraft touched down at about 7:12 p.m. at the Presidential Wing of the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Ikeja, Lagos.

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Mr Tinubu was received by Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State, Deputy Governor Femi Hamzat, Chief of Staff to the president, Femi Gbajabiamila, and other government officials.

Also at the airport was the Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Mudashiru Obasa, alongside other senior political office holders and government functionaries.

While in France, MR Tinubu met with global investors, emphasising transparency, fiscal discipline, and the rationale behind the swift implementation of his administration’s bold economic reforms.

The president also participated in the Africa Forward Summit in Nairobi, Kenya, co-hosted by President Emmanuel Macron of France and President William Ruto of Kenya.

At the summit, Mr Tinubu called for reforms in the global financial architecture and stronger economic integration that prioritises Africa’s growth, industrialisation, and long-term prosperity.

He also highlighted Nigeria’s blue economy potential as a cornerstone of Africa’s development and pledged to share Nigeria’s maritime intelligence infrastructure with willing Gulf of Guinea states.

While in Nairobi, Mr Tinubu held a bilateral meeting with Madagascar’s President, Michael Randrianirina, to discuss regional cooperation and economic partnerships.

In Kigali, Rwanda, the president joined African leaders, investors, and chief executives at the Africa CEO Forum focused on accelerating Africa’s economic transformation through regional integration and cross-border investments.

Mr Tinubu also held a bilateral meeting with Rwandan President Paul Kagame, where both leaders discussed strengthening cooperation and advancing economic integration between their countries.

The president further met with delegations from multilateral and multinational organisations, including the International Finance Corporation (IFC), APM Terminals, and the Winme Group.

Tinubu

The meetings recorded favourable outcomes, including investment pledges and discussions around infrastructure financing, logistics, maritime development, energy, and industrial growth opportunities in Nigeria.

Mr Tinubu also participated in panel discussions and engagements highlighting the thrust of his administration’s ongoing economic reforms and investment-driven policy direction.

While in Lagos, the president is expected to participate in the All Progressives Congress (APC) primary elections scheduled to begin on Saturday.

Mr Tinubu had earlier urged party members and aspirants participating in the primaries to maintain peace and demonstrate sportsmanship in the overall interest of the party and the country.

NDC Slashes Nomination Form Fees For Women, Youths, PWDs: 2027

The Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) has announced special discounts on its nomination and expression of interest forms for women, youths and persons living with disabilities (PWDs) ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The party said the move was part of its commitment to ensuring inclusiveness and broader participation in Nigeria’s democratic process.

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In a statement signed by the party’s National Secretary, Ikenna Enekweizu, the NDC said it remained committed to creating opportunities for groups that have traditionally faced barriers in politics and governance.

According to Mr Enekweizu, young people and persons living with disabilities should not be excluded from contributing to nation-building because of financial limitations or physical challenges.

“The fact that someone is young and may not be a money bag or is disadvantaged by some physical disabilities should not shut him or her from contributing their quota to nation-building,” he said.

The party also stressed the need for greater participation of women in politics, noting that cultural and societal limitations had continued to hinder many women from fully engaging in the democratic process.

“Women, due to cultural and other inhibitions, have also been largely receiving the short end of the democracy stick.

“They, therefore, need some form of affirmative action to give them the needed push to participate and contest,” the statement added.

The NDC noted that Nigeria would be short-changing itself if women, who make up nearly half of the country’s population, were excluded from active participation in governance and leadership.

As part of the new measures, all female aspirants on the platform of the party are to pay 50 per cent of the approved fees for both the Expression of Interest and Nomination Forms.

NDC

Similarly, aspirants between the ages of 18 and 35 will also enjoy a 50 per cent discount on the forms, while persons living with disabilities are to pay only 25 per cent of the advertised fees.

The party further clarified that presidential, governorship and National Assembly forms would be obtained at the party’s National Secretariat in Abuja, while forms for State Houses of Assembly elections would be available at NDC state offices across the country.

Nigeria, China Reaffirm Commitment To Strengthen Tourism, Creative Economy Ties

Yang Jianxing
China and Nigeria have reaffirmed their joint commitment to strengthening collaboration in tourism, culture and the creative economy to boost economic growth, cultural exchange and people-to-people relations.

The two countries made the pledge on Thursday during the 2026 China Tourism Day celebration organised by the Chinese Embassy in Nigeria and the China Cultural Centre in Abuja.

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According to Yang Jianxing, the Cultural Counsellor of the Chinese Embassy in Nigeria, tourism serves as a bridge for cultural exchange and mutual understanding between nations.

Mr Yang, who is also the Director of the China Cultural Centre, noted that both countries possess rich cultural heritages and tourism attractions capable of deepening bilateral ties.

“From the Great Wall and Mount Tai in China to the Osun-Osogbo Sacred Forest and Zuma Rock in Nigeria, these landmarks act as silent messengers, building a solid bridge of mutual understanding between our peoples,” he said.

Mr Yang also said that China was willing to deepen practical cooperation with Nigeria in areas such as cultural heritage protection, tourism promotion and creative industry development.

“We welcome more Nigerian friends to learn Chinese, visit China in person, explore its magnificent landscapes and experience its long-standing civilisation,” he said.

He added that China was also looking forward to receiving more Nigerians under the framework of the China-Africa Year of People-to-People Exchanges.

Aare Fagade, Director-General of the National Institute for Hospitality and Tourism (NIHOTOUR), said that stronger institutional collaboration between both countries would enhance Nigeria’s tourism potential.

“China’s remarkable tourism story stands today as a global model of strategic planning, infrastructure development, cultural preservation, innovation and human capital advancement,” Mr Fagade said.

According to him, Nigeria can benefit immensely from partnerships in tourism education, hospitality training, destination management and tourism technology.

“We believe stronger institutional partnerships between Nigeria and China in tourism, education, hospitality training, cultural exchange and destination management will significantly contribute to the growth and global competitiveness of our sector,” he said.

Abdulkarim Ibrahim, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Art, Culture, Tourism and Creative Economy, represented by Yohanna Evandu, said tourism remained a powerful tool for cultural exchange and economic prosperity.

“Tourism bridges gaps, fosters friendships and creates opportunities for shared prosperity,” he said.

Mr Evandu added that the collaboration between Nigeria and China continued to provide opportunities for knowledge sharing, investment and people-to-people connections.

Olubunmi Olowokere, Permanent Secretary, Social Development Secretariat, Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA), said tourism is a catalyst for peace, community empowerment and sustainable livelihoods.

China, Nigeria

“Tourism must not only entertain people; it must empower communities, generate sustainable livelihoods and project positive national identity,” she said.

Ms Olowokere added that Abuja possesses enormous tourism and creative economic potential capable of positioning the city as a leading tourism destination in Africa.

She also commended the Chinese Embassy and the China Cultural Centre for promoting cultural diplomacy and strengthening Nigeria-China relations through tourism initiatives.

The event also featured cultural performances by Nigerian and Chinese artistes, traditional music, dance and artistic displays from both countries.

Guests were treated to exhibitions highlighting the rich cultural heritage and tourism attractions of Nigeria and China.