Osinbajo begins three-day state visit to Canada

Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, on Sunday, departed Abuja for Ottawa, the Canadian capital, for a three-day state visit.

According to a statement signed by the Senior Special Assistant to the Vice President on Media and Publicity, Laolu Akande, this would be the first high-level visit by a Nigerian leader to Canada since 2000 when President Olusegun Obasanjo visited the North American nation.

The statement is titled ‘Osinbajo heads to Canada in first high-level visit in two decades.’

“The visit will deepen diplomatic ties between Nigeria and Canada as Prof. Osinbajo will meet the Canadian Deputy Prime Minister, Chrystia Freeland, and other top parliamentarians and members of the Canadian government in Ottawa, tomorrow.

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“During the 3-day visit, issues and events around educational collaboration, technology, creative industry and climate justice among others, will also feature.

“For instance, the Vice President will give a public lecture at the Queen’s University in Kingston on Wednesday. Established in 1841, Queen’s University is one of Canada’s leading research-intensive academic institutions and is famous for its role in advancing the goals of the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals,” the statement read in part.

Before delivering his public lecture, the Vice President will be received at the Ontario-based Carleton University, which has significant engagements and collaborations with some institutions in Nigeria, with ongoing efforts to deepen the mutual relationships around issues including research and curriculum development.

While in Canada, the Vice President will also meet with the leadership of the Nigerian community, including from Nollywood and notable Canadian government officials with Nigerian origin.

He will also meet with representatives of the Canadian business community and investors especially from the creative industry and technology.

Nigeria and Canada have over the years maintained cordial bilateral relationships. As Canada’s largest trading partner in Africa, Nigeria holds a Bi-National Commission, the only one of its kind in Sub-Saharan Africa.

The VP is expected back in Abuja later in the week.