President Bola Tinubu has departed Abuja for an official trip to Japan and Brazil, while making a brief stop in Dubai, the United Arab Emirates.
His plane took off from the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport at approximately 11:15 am, with senior government officials, including his Chief of Staff, Femi Gbajabiamila, National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, and Finance Minister, Wale Edun, present to see him off.
A statement released on Thursday by presidential spokesperson, Bayo Onanuga indicated that Tinubu will first attend the ninth Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD9) in Yokohama, Japan, from August 20 to 22.
The conference with the theme: “Co-create innovative solutions with Africa,” aims to accelerate Africa’s economic transformation through private investment, innovation, and stronger institutions.
During the event, the president is expected to participate in plenary sessions, engage in bilateral discussions with global leaders, and meet with Japanese business executives, including those with current or potential investments in Nigeria.
TICAD, initiated by the Japanese government in 1993, is co-hosted by the United Nations, the UN Development Programme, the African Union Commission, and the World Bank.
It occurs every three years, alternating between Japan and African nations, with the last conference held in Tunisia in 2022.
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Following his time in Japan, Tinubu will travel to Brazil for a state visit from August 24 to 25 at the invitation of President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva.
His agenda will include bilateral talks with his Brazilian counterpart, participation in a Nigeria–Brazil Business Forum, and the signing of agreements and memoranda of understanding to enhance economic collaboration.
The president is accompanied by a high-level delegation of ministers and senior advisors, who will assist him in exploring new trade and investment opportunities in both countries.
