Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has assured the government of Qatar that President Bola Tinubu is ramping up efforts to confront the country’s security challenges, particularly terrorism and kidnapping, while also pursuing stronger international partnerships to drive national development.
Speaking on Tuesday during a courtesy visit by Qatar’s Ambassador to Nigeria, Yousef Bin Hassan Al-Hail, and the embassy’s consultant, Khalifa Al-Khalifa, at the Presidential Villa in Abuja, the First Lady said the administration remained committed to restoring security and stability across the country.
She acknowledged that insecurity remains one of Nigeria’s biggest concerns but stressed that the President, working closely with the armed forces and other security agencies, is determined to overcome the threat.
According to her, terrorism and kidnapping continue to pose serious challenges, but ongoing security operations and government interventions are aimed at safeguarding lives and strengthening national peace.
“Despite the challenges, Nigeria remains a great nation with resilient, peaceful and patriotic people,” she said, expressing confidence that the country would achieve its full potential and reclaim its place among leading nations of the world.
Mrs Tinubu also called for deeper cooperation between Nigeria and Qatar, noting that both countries stand to benefit from stronger diplomatic and economic relations.
Beyond security, she urged young Nigerians to look beyond the traditional dependence on oil and embrace opportunities in tourism, which she described as one of the nation’s most underutilised assets.
The First Lady said Nigeria’s rich cultural heritage, diverse traditions, unique cuisine and natural attractions could serve as powerful tools for job creation and economic growth if properly harnessed.
She added that her travels across the country had exposed her to the enormous potential embedded in Nigeria’s people and communities, stressing that empowering youths to explore and promote the nation’s tourism industry could unlock new opportunities for prosperity.
Earlier, Ambassador Al-Hail praised Nigeria’s strategic importance in Africa and advocated closer collaboration between both countries, particularly in the aviation and tourism sectors.
The envoy described Nigeria as a nation blessed with cultural diversity, vast economic potential and immense human resources, noting that the country remains a critical player in Africa’s political and economic affairs.
He also urged Nigerians to be more responsible on social media, warning that cyberbullying and the spread of misinformation often create negative perceptions that do not reflect the reality of the country.
Al-Hail revealed that he had arrived in Nigeria with concerns shaped largely by social media narratives but found a different reality upon settling in the country.
According to him, Nigeria’s welcoming people, favourable climate and natural beauty have made his stay enjoyable, prompting him to advocate stronger people-to-people exchanges and improved connectivity between both nations.
He specifically called for an increase in flight frequencies between Qatar and Nigeria, suggesting that services to Abuja and Lagos be expanded to three or four flights weekly to boost tourism, trade and bilateral relations.
The meeting underscored growing efforts by both countries to deepen cooperation while exploring new avenues for economic growth, cultural exchange and regional stability.
Comments (0)
No comments yet. Be the first to share your thoughts!