Tinubu Hosts Queen of Denmark, Calls for Stronger Bilateral Ties in Education, Agriculture, and Health

President Bola Tinubu & Queen Mary Elizabeth of Denmark

President Bola Tinubu on Tuesday welcomed Queen Mary Elizabeth of Denmark to the State House in Abuja, urging deeper bilateral collaboration between Nigeria and Denmark in key sectors such as education, livestock development, and veterinary health.

The visit — Queen Mary’s first to Nigeria — was co-hosted by Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, and took place under her role as Patron of the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA).

According to a statement released by the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, Tinubu stressed the importance of turning long-standing challenges, such as the farmer-herder conflicts, into opportunities for growth through strategic investment and inclusive education.

“We can turn friction into economic opportunity,” the President said. “By providing educational pathways for farmers and herders, we can stabilise communities, expand our food systems, and lift millions out of poverty.”

Highlighting Nigeria’s rapidly growing population, Tinubu reiterated the need to prepare for the projected 400 million citizens by 2050 with smart investments.

“Demographics play a central role in our foreign policy,” he noted. “We must manage population growth through focused efforts in agriculture, education, healthcare, and job creation.”

He welcomed further foreign investment, especially those aligned with the administration’s macroeconomic reforms under the Renewed Hope Agenda. Tinubu also acknowledged the contributions of Danish companies such as A.P. Moller–Maersk and Grundfos in boosting Nigeria’s agricultural and maritime sectors.

The President expressed appreciation for Denmark’s humanitarian support, particularly for internally displaced persons in conflict-affected areas. He looked forward to expanded cooperation, especially as Denmark prepares to chair the European Union Council and hold a seat on the UN Security Council from 2025 to 2026.

On the social development front, Tinubu highlighted ongoing partnerships with Denmark in areas like school feeding programs and efforts to reduce the number of out-of-school children.

Speaking during the visit, First Lady Senator Oluremi Tinubu emphasised the need for inclusive educational reform, particularly in recognising and integrating traditional Islamic schools into Nigeria’s broader educational framework.

“We must formally acknowledge the value of knowledge provided by Islamic schools and incorporate them into our national education system,” she said.

In her remarks, Queen Mary expressed her gratitude for the warm welcome and solidarity shown toward Denmark’s humanitarian efforts in Nigeria’s Northeast.

“I’m here to deepen ties and explore investment in green economy initiatives, trade, women’s enterprise development, child health, and cultural and educational exchange,” she stated.

The Queen also applauded the First Lady’s “Renewed Hope Initiative” and disclosed plans to visit the A.P. Moller–Maersk terminal in Lagos as part of her engagement itinerary.

Punch

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