News
Tinubu Travels to South Africa to Strengthen Ties and Discuss Key Issues With Ramaphosa
President Bola Tinubu is set to travel to Cape Town, South Africa, after concluding his visit to France.
This trip marks a significant diplomatic engagement as he prepares to co-chair the 11th session of the Nigeria-South Africa Bi-National Commission (BNC) with South African President Cyril Ramaphosa.
Tinubu is currently in France on the invitation of President Emmanuel Macron.
His discussions there have focused on strengthening Nigeria’s relationship with France and fostering partnerships in economic, security, and other key sectors.
According to a statement from his spokesman, Bayo Onanuga, the Bi-National Commission meeting will officially begin on Tuesday, December 3, 2024.
However, preparations will kick off with a ministerial meeting on December 2 at South Africa’s Parliament Building in Cape Town.
During the BNC, Presidents Tinubu and Ramaphosa will hold extensive talks covering a range of issues critical to both nations.
These discussions will address bilateral matters such as trade, investment, security, and migration, as well as regional and international concerns.
The meeting also offers an opportunity to review commitments made during their earlier discussions on June 20, 2024, when Tinubu visited Johannesburg shortly after Ramaphosa’s inauguration for a second term.
The Bi-National Commission, a platform established to deepen cooperation between the two countries, will focus on eight strategic areas.
These include political consultations, consular and migration issues, banking and finance, defense and security, manufacturing, the social sector, mining and energy, and trade and investment.
President Ramaphosa, a seasoned politician and anti-apartheid activist, has been instrumental in driving South Africa’s foreign policy towards fostering stronger ties across Africa.
Under his leadership, the country has prioritized economic recovery, industrialization, and regional security.
Similarly, President Tinubu has demonstrated a commitment to positioning Nigeria as a leader in Africa by leveraging partnerships to tackle pressing challenges such as insecurity and economic instability.
The ministerial meetings preceding the presidential session will lay the groundwork for these high-level discussions.
They will involve senior officials from various sectors, ensuring that the BNC outcomes are practical and impactful.
APC chieftain Joe Igbokwe has pointed fingers at Nigerian traders for the continued surge in food prices across the country. In a Facebook post on Saturday, the outspoken supporter of President Bola Tinubu’s administration accused traders of being too greedy to reduce their prices.
He added that even as statistics suggest that the cost of food is starting to drop, traders have refused to comply. Furthermore, he expressed frustration, saying the refusal to lower prices shows a deeper problem of selfishness among citizens. According to him, Nigerians are their own worst enemies, driven by greed and a habit of taking more than they need.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is set to travel to Rome this Saturday to attend the inauguration of Pope Leo XIV, the new leader of the Roman Catholic Church. The invitation came directly from Pope Leo XIV, who emphasized the importance of the president’s presence during this significant moment for the Church and a world facing many challenges.
Pope Leo XIV, formerly Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost, will be officially installed as the 267th Bishop of Rome on Sunday, May 18, at St. Peter’s Square in the Vatican.
President Tinubu will be accompanied by key Catholic figures, including the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, Archbishop Lucius Ugorji of Owerri, Archbishop Ignatius Kaigama of Abuja, Archbishop Alfred Martins of Lagos, and Bishop Mathew Hassan Kukah of Sokoto.
Notably, Pope Leo XIV has a special connection to Nigeria, having worked at the Apostolic Nunciature in Lagos during the 1980s. After the ceremony, President Tinubu is expected to return to Abuja on Tuesday, May 20.
Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, has urged Nigerians to preserve their culture and ensure it doesn’t fade away with time. Speaking through his deputy, Barrister Adebayo Lawal, at the 2025 World Egungun Festival grand finale held in Ibadan, Makinde emphasized the importance of keeping traditions alive.
The event took place at Obafemi Awolowo Stadium in the Oke Ado area and was graced by top dignitaries including Chief Lekan Alabi, who represented the Otun Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Ladoja, Osun State’s Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Hon. Ojo Abiodun, Prince Adeola Adelakun of Oje Parapo Worldwide, and Oyo State’s own Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Dr. Wasiu Olatunbosun.
Makinde stressed that culture and tourism are key focus areas for his administration, and his government is committed to supporting efforts that will keep local traditions thriving. He added that by investing in cultural events and heritage, the state can boost its economy through tourism and increase revenue. He said, “We must not let our culture die. I’m glad to see young people taking part in this celebration, not just the elders.”
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