President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has warmly welcomed Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to Nigeria on his first official visit.

The visit is significant as it marks the first time an Indian Prime Minister has stepped on Nigerian soil since 2007, signaling a renewed commitment to deepening diplomatic and economic ties between the two nations.

Tinubu shared the news through his official X handle, expressing excitement about the historic occasion.

He described the visit as an opportunity to expand the strategic partnership between Nigeria and India and strengthen collaboration in vital areas such as trade, technology, energy, and education.

“I look forward to welcoming Prime Minister Narendra Modi on his first visit to Nigeria, which is also the first visit by an Indian Prime Minister to our dear country in 17 years.

Our discussions will aim to broaden our strategic partnership and foster cooperation in critical sectors.

Welcome to Nigeria, PM Modi,” Tinubu stated.

Prime Minister Modi arrived in Abuja early on Sunday with his delegation, where he was met with enthusiasm from Nigerian officials and citizens alike.

Modi’s visit highlights India’s ongoing efforts to enhance relations with African countries, particularly Nigeria, which is one of India’s most important trade and investment partners on the continent.

The visit sets the stage for high-level discussions between the two leaders, focusing on strengthening economic ties.

India is one of Nigeria’s largest trading partners, with significant investments in the oil and gas sector.

However, this visit aims to expand their partnership into emerging areas like renewable energy, digital technology, and infrastructure development.

Both leaders are expected to deliberate on ways to enhance education and healthcare collaboration.

Nigeria, with its young and dynamic population, presents an ideal partner for India, a country known for its advancements in technology, medicine, and skill development.

Aloy Ejimakor, special counsel to Nnamdi Kanu, has called on President Bola Tinubu to implement the United Nations Human Rights Council Working Group’s order to release the detained IPOB leader.

Ejimakor criticized former President Muhammadu Buhari for ignoring the UN’s directive in 2022, which also called for Kanu’s compensation over his arrest and rendition from Kenya.

He urged Tinubu to act promptly, emphasizing Nigeria’s obligation to uphold international laws and treaties.

Kanu has been in DSS custody since June 2021, enduring detention that Ejimakor described as “lacking legal justification.” He added that Tinubu doesn’t need a court order to free Kanu, stating it is never too late to correct the situation.

President-elect Donald Trump has appointed Karoline Leavitt, his 27-year-old campaign spokesperson, as the White House press secretary. Trump lauded Leavitt’s intelligence and communication skills, expressing confidence in her ability to represent the administration effectively.

Leavitt, one of the youngest to hold this position, previously served as Trump’s national press secretary during his campaign. A New Hampshire native, she welcomed her first child in July and has experience as an assistant press secretary during Trump’s first term and as communications director for Congresswoman Elise Stefanik.

“This is a proud moment for me as a middle-class American from New Hampshire,” Leavitt shared during a Fox News podcast. Her appointment reflects her rapid rise in U.S. politics.