Tinubu welcomes Queen Mary of Denmark and looks to expand collaboration in the areas of investment, education, and livestock
Tinubu has emphasized the need for enhanced Nigeria–Denmark relations in the areas of livestock, education, and youth development during his meeting with Queen Mary Elizabeth.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has urged for enhanced collaboration between Nigeria and Denmark in the fields of livestock development, education, and agribusiness, during his meeting with Queen Mary Elizabeth of Denmark at the State House in Abuja on Tuesday.
During the visit of the Danish monarch to Nigeria, marking her first engagement in her capacity as Patron of the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), President Tinubu emphasized the opportunities within Nigeria’s dairy and livestock economy to create jobs, improve food security, and alleviate rural poverty.
The President emphasized that the livestock sector has potential, even amidst the tensions between farmers and herders, stating, “We can transform that friction into organized economic opportunities and create educational pathways for both farmers and herders.” We have the ability to stabilize communities, enhance our food systems, and elevate millions from poverty.
The meeting was co-hosted by Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, and was part of a broader diplomatic effort to enhance Nigeria’s development partnerships with Denmark. This initiative is particularly relevant given Queen Mary’s focus on the green economy, women’s enterprise, child health, and educational exchange.
President Tinubu expressed his enthusiasm for enhanced collaboration with Denmark in fields like veterinary health, sustainable agricultural practices, and knowledge transfer. He conveyed hope that these initiatives could effectively tackle security and development challenges, particularly those associated with rural livelihoods.
He recognized the contributions of Denmark to Nigeria’s infrastructure and economy, highlighting the efforts of companies such as A.P. Moller–Maersk and Grundfos. He also expressed gratitude to Denmark for its assistance to internally displaced persons (IDPs), particularly in regions affected by conflict.
With Denmark taking on the Presidency of the European Union Council and securing a position on the UN Security Council for 2025–2026, President Tinubu expressed Nigeria’s anticipation for enhanced collaboration on global development matters.
Senator Oluremi Tinubu, the First Lady, expressed her appreciation for Queen Mary’s involvement in school feeding initiatives, support for out-of-school children, and suggested reforms aimed at incorporating traditional Islamic education into Nigeria’s formal education framework.
In her remarks, Queen Mary conveyed her sympathy regarding the humanitarian crisis in Nigeria’s northeast and reiterated Denmark’s dedication to partnership. Her visit was intended to enhance bilateral relations and investigate opportunities for investment in women-led enterprises, the green economy, and cultural exchanges.
She is set to visit the A.P. Moller–Maersk terminal in Lagos as part of her business engagements.
