Nigeria’s Vice President, Professor Yemi Osinbajo, on Sunday, departed Abuja for a three-day state visit to Ottawa, the Canadian capital.
According to a statement signed by the Senior Special Assistant to the Vice President on Media and Publicity, Laolu Akande, this would be the first high-level visit by a Nigerian leader to Canada since 2000 when President Olusegun Obasanjo visited the North American nation.
VP Osinbajo is visiting Canada this week: the first high level visit from Nigeria since 2000 when former President Obasanjo visited the North American country. VP will meet the Canadian Dep. PM Freeland, other parliamentarians & visit two leading universities among other events.
— Laolu Akande (@akandeoj) November 20, 2022
He said the visit would deepen diplomatic ties between Nigeria and Canada as Prof. Osinbajo will meet the Canadian Deputy Prime Minister, Chrystia Freeland, other top parliamentarians and members of the Canadian government in Ottawa tomorrow.
“During the 3-day visit, issues and events around educational collaboration, technology, creative industry and climate justice among others would also feature.
“For instance, the Vice President will give a public lecture at the Queen’s University in Kingston on Wednesday. Established in 1841, Queen’s University is one of Canada’s leading research-intensive academic institutions and is famous for its role in advancing the goals of the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (UN SDGs).
“Earlier, he would be received at the Ontario-based Carleton University, which has significant engagements and collaborations with some educational institutions in Nigeria, with ongoing efforts to deepen the mutual relationships around issues including research and curriculum development.
“Nigeria and Canada have over the years maintained cordial bilateral relationships.”
According to Akande, Nigeria is Canada’s largest trading partner in Africa and both countries also have a Bi-National Commission, the only one of its kind in Sub-Saharan Africa.
“While in Canada, the Vice President will also meet with the leadership of the Nigerian community, including from Nollywood artists based in the country and notable Canadian government officials with Nigerian origins.
“He will also meet with representatives of the Canadian business community and investors especially from the creative industry and technology sector.”
Akande said the Vice President is expected back in Abuja later in the week.
PIAK
