By Abiola Olawale
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu departed Abuja on Friday for a two-nation visit to Japan and Brazil, with a brief stopover in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, according to the presidency
The New Diplomat reports that the President’s aircraft left the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport around noon, with top officials — including Chief of Staff Femi Gbajabiamila, National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu, and Finance Minister Wale Edun — on hand to see him off.
According to Presidential spokesperson Bayo Onanuga, Tinubu’s first stop will be Yokohama, Japan, where he will attend the Ninth Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD9) from August 20 to 22.
The statement reads in part: “In Japan, President Tinubu will attend the Ninth Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD9) in the City of Yokohama from August 20 to 22.
“In addition to attending plenary sessions on themes linked to the conference, the Nigerian President will hold bilateral meetings and meet the chief executive officers of some Japanese companies with investments in Nigeria.
“At the end of the TICAD9, President Tinubu will leave for Brasilia, the capital of the Federative Republic of Brazil, on a two-day state visit from Sunday, August 24, to Monday, August 25.
“This follows an invitation by the Brazilian President, Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva.
“While in Brazil, President Tinubu will hold a bilateral meeting with his host and attend a business forum with Brazilian investors.”