The Federal Government has dismissed the criticism trailing his planned visit to the United Kingdom, UK saying those against the trip are bereft of its benefit to the country.
The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris made the assertion while addressing journalists in London at the weekend.
Idris’ spoke amidst the reactions of not a few Nigerians to the president’s state visit to the UK, where he’s expected to meet with King Charles and British Prime Minister, Keir Stammer.
Critics of the president said he should stay at home to address the myriads of challenges facing the country, even though others said the country will benefit from the diplomatic visit.
According to the minister, some of the reactions to the visit were either based on poor understanding of government policies or deliberate attempts to misrepresent the purpose of the engagement.
He said the historic visit will further straighten the relationship between the two countries, describing it as a partnership built on trust in the major areas such as diplomacy, education, security cooperation and trade.
Idis stressed that the two countries will also explore other areas such as climate action, education, and technological innovation during the president’s state visit.
Te Minister: “We know that Nigeria has had its own fair share of criticism about some of those policies that were instituted back home, some of them arising from a lack of adequate knowledge and some out of sheer mischief.
“President Tinubu’s visit provides an important opportunity to strengthen collaboration across critical areas, including trade and investment, security cooperation, climate action, education, and technological innovation.”
President Tinubu is the fifth Nigerian leader to be honoured with state visit by the UK government. visit the country. Other former head of state who enjoyed the honour include Nigeria’s late Prime Minister, Abubakar Tafawa Balewa, Yakubu Gowon, Shehu Shagari, and Ibrahim Babangida.
The president is expected to arrive the UK on March 18.
Details of The Ceremony
A ceremonial welcome will take place on Datchet Road, featuring the playing of the national anthems of both countries and a guard of honour inspection. The Nigerian leader will then proceed in a carriage procession to Windsor Castle, where he will be welcomed by King Charles III and Queen Camilla.
The schedule includes a formal reception, a traditional 21-gun salute and a state luncheon to be held at St George’s Hall within Windsor Castle.
Later in the day, Tinubu is expected to hold bilateral meetings with senior British officials, with discussions expected to focus on strengthening cooperation in trade, security, migration management and port development.
The day’s events will conclude with a cultural exchange programme showcasing Nigerian artefacts and heritage, followed by a state banquet hosted in honour of the visiting president at Windsor Castle.
On March 19, President Tinubu will begin the day with a private breakfast meeting with King Charles III and Queen Camilla before departing for London.
While in London, the Nigerian leader is scheduled to lay a wreath at The Cenotaph in Westminster in honour of fallen servicemen.
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