First Lady receives China’s Ambassador in Aso Villa
–Says friendship between two nations has begun to yield visible results
By Johnbosco Agbakwuru
ABUJA — THE First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu on Thursday, received the Chinese Ambassador to Nigeria,
Yu Dunhai at the presidential villa, Abuja.
At the visit, Ambassador Dunhai said the ongoing reforms in Nigeria, under President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda are yielding tangible and life-changing results that should be consolidated beyond 2027.
The Ambassador said having seen the half year trade volume between the two countries grow to 18 billion dollars and having watched Nigeria in the last three years take a new shape, on strong macroeconomic footing, the country must continue the path by putting their faith in ongoing reforms.
Yu Dunhai noted that the there is renewed and stronger confidence by foreign investors and his country will not shy away from the keying into this.
The envoy pointed out that in the last three years, Nigeria’s export to China has increased tremendously.
He said in deepening the bilateral relations between the two countries, China will ensure to work with the principle that Africa’s resources belong to Africa, stick to high quality investment, make use of domestic human capital among others.
He explained that the visit, being his first since assuming office in Nigeria two years ago, is to convey his government’s admiration for the Renewed Hope Agenda, ably complemented by the First Lady’s Renewed Hope Initiative, and to explore further areas of support, particularly in health, education and promoting food security.
Responding the First Lady of Nigeria Senator Tinubu noted that an endorsement for a second term in office for President Tinubu, from a strong ally such as China is cheering.
She commended China’s interest in the agricultural sector, especially with a promise to collaborate on use of technology to enhance food security.
The First Lady promised to encourage a collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security.
“When friendship have transcended this long, it begins to yield results and we are beginning to see the results now”.
“We are looking for how the vulnerable ones would be lifted, we know this will help us a lot. Nigeria is transforming. And we must embrace the new Nigeria”.
Nigeria and China elevated their bilateral relations to a comprehensive strategic partnership, since year 2024 during President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s state visit to China.