Nigeria’s President begins official visit

KIGALI-Nigerian President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan arrived in the country yesterday for a two-day official visit. The Nigerian Head of State touched down at Kigali International Airport at around 6:25 p.m., where he was welcomed by his host President Paul Kagame.  Shortly after arrival, President Jonathan greeted the waiting delegation of top government officials and diplomatic corps before holding a short meeting with President Kagame at the VIP Lounge.

Thursday, October 06, 2011
President Kagame and his Nigerian counterpart, President Goodluck Jonathan, shortly after the latter's arrival at Kigali International Airport, yesterday. The New Times Village Urugwiro.

KIGALI-Nigerian President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan arrived in the country yesterday for a two-day official visit.

The Nigerian Head of State touched down at Kigali International Airport at around 6:25 p.m., where he was welcomed by his host President Paul Kagame.

Shortly after arrival, President Jonathan greeted the waiting delegation of top government officials and diplomatic corps before holding a short meeting with President Kagame at the VIP Lounge.

The Nigerian President was accompanied by a 21-member delegation comprising Ministers, businessmen, senators and other top government officials.The Rwandan Minister of Foreign Affairs and senior government officials later hosted the delegation to a dinner at Kigali Serena Hotel.

The Nigerian delegation will, this morning, take part in an investors’ breakfast hosted by the Rwanda Development Board (RDB).

According to the RDB CEO John Gara, the visit by the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria with a high level business delegation further strengthens the existing socio-political and trade ties between Rwanda and Nigeria.

"This meeting is an opportunity to showcase Rwanda’s investment opportunities to the Nigerian business fraternity and also serve as an introduction to Rwanda for those who were visiting the country for the first time,” explained Gara.

The Nigerian business delegation includes Aliko Dangote – the world’s richest black man according to Forbes Magazine.

The Nigerian business team will be able to tap into the prevailing investment opportunities and engage the Rwandan Business community into potential partnerships in trade and investments.

Rwanda and Nigeria enjoy good and established relations, reinforced by the opening of a Rwanda High Commission in Abuja earlier this year. Currently, 38 Nigerian health professionals are volunteering in Rwanda under the Nigeria Technical Aid Corps.

Ends