Emmanuel OchayiPresident Bola Tinubu is set to depart from Abuja tomorrow, April 2nd, for Dakar, Senegal, marking his first official visit to the country since assuming the chairmanship of the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government.
His visit comes in response to an invitation extended by the Senegalese government to attend the inauguration of President-elect Bassirou Faye.
Tinubu’s spokesperson, Ajuri Ngelale, affirmed Tinubu’s attendance at the inauguration ceremony, stating, “He will join other regional leaders to witness the inauguration at Diamniadio Exhibition Centre on Tuesday.”
Speaking on behalf of the Presidency, Ngelale emphasized the significance of Tinubu’s role as the ECOWAS chair and his commitment to regional cooperation.
“We are pleased to confirm President Tinubu’s participation in this important event, which underscores ECOWAS’s dedication to fostering strong diplomatic ties within the region,” Ngelale added.
Accompanying President Tinubu on this diplomatic mission will be the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Tuggar, alongside other senior government officials. Tinubu is expected to return to Nigeria following the conclusion of the inauguration ceremony.
Senegal marks the fifth African state that President Tinubu has visited since taking office ten months ago, further solidifying Nigeria’s commitment to regional engagement and cooperation.
His extensive foreign travels have included visits to major global capitals and key diplomatic partners, reflecting Nigeria’s active role on the international stage.
Tinubu’s itinerary has seen him visit Paris, France thrice; London, UK; Bissau, Guinea-Bissau twice; Nairobi, Kenya; Porto Novo, Benin Republic; New Delhi, India; Abu Dhabi and Dubai in the United Arab Emirates; New York, USA; Riyadh, Saudi Arabia; Berlin, Germany; Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, and Doha, Qatar.
His attendance at President-elect Bassirou Faye’s inauguration reaffirms Nigeria’s commitment to fostering strong diplomatic relations within the West African region and beyond.
In light of Tinubu’s role as the ECOWAS chair and Nigeria’s influence within the sub-region, his presence at such events serves as a testament to Nigeria’s dedication to promoting peace, stability, and cooperation across the African continent.
