Tinubu departs London after historic state visit

PRESIDENT Bola Tinubu on Thursday night departed London after a two-day historic visit at the instance of the royal family.

President Tinubu, accompanied by the First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, had departed Abuja on Tuesday, March 17, for a State Visit to the United Kingdom as guests of Their Majesties King Charles III and Queen Camilla.

King Charles hosted the President and his delegation, including the First Lady, at Windsor Castle from Wednesday, March 18, to Thursday, March 19.

The state visit was the first by a Nigerian leader in 37 years. President Tinubu is also the first Nigerian leader to be hosted by the British monarch at Windsor Castle.

Nigeria and the United Kingdom share a deep history of ties and a special bond. The visit was used to strengthen bilateral relations and collaboration on issues such as immigration, trade, investment, and cultural exchange.

While at Windsor Castle, Their Majesties invited the President and the First Lady to view a special exhibition of items from the Royal Collection related to Nigeria. Later, the King and the President held private discussions and met with organisations engaged in interfaith dialogue, both nationally and internationally.

The Royal Family hosted a state banquet in honour of the Nigerian guests.

Tinubu used the occasion to hold a bilateral meeting with Prime Minister Keir Starmer at 10 Downing Street, which led to expanded bilateral engagement between senior officials of the two countries. The meeting culminated in the signing of various Memoranda of Understanding and agreements, including those on trade, investment, defence, and cultural cooperation.