By Ajewole Joshua
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is set to embark on a diplomatic trip covering Japan and Brazil, with a brief stopover in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, before his first engagement.
According to a statement issued on Wednesday by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the President will leave Abuja on Thursday, August 14, for the two-nation tour.
In Japan, Tinubu will participate in the Ninth Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD9) scheduled to hold in Yokohama from August 20 to 22. This year’s edition, themed “Co-create Innovative Solutions with Africa”, will center on driving Africa’s economic transformation, strengthening institutions, and improving the business environment through private investment and innovation. It will also highlight strategies to promote a resilient and sustainable African society anchored on human security, peace, and stability.
While at TICAD9, the Nigerian leader will attend high-level plenary sessions and engage in bilateral meetings with political leaders. He is also expected to meet with chief executives of major Japanese companies with investments in Nigeria.
Established in 1993 by the Japanese government and co-hosted by the United Nations, UNDP, the African Union Commission, and the World Bank, TICAD has become a major platform for policy dialogue between African leaders and development partners. The last edition was held in Tunisia in August 2022.
Following his engagements in Japan, President Tinubu will head to Brasilia, the capital of Brazil, for a two-day state visit from August 24 to 25, at the invitation of President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva.
In Brazil, Tinubu is scheduled to hold talks with his host, participate in a business forum with Brazilian investors, and witness the signing of agreements and Memoranda of Understanding aimed at deepening cooperation between both nations. He will be accompanied by key ministers and senior government officials.
