Osinbajo Departs To Canada On Three-day State Visit

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

In a statement on Sunday by his spokesman, Laolu Akande, Osinbajo’s visit would be the first high-level visit to the North American country in two decades.

The VP’s spokesman disclosed that the visit will deepen diplomatic ties between Nigeria and Canada and strengthen bilateral trade between the two countries.

Akande said Osinbajo will meet the Canadian Deputy Prime Minister, Chrystia Freeland, members of the Canadian government, and top parliamentarians on Monday.

He added that issues and events around educational collaboration, technology, creative industry, and climate justice among others, will be discussed during the three-day visit.

The statement reads in part: “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.

“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.”

Before delivering his public lecture, Osinbajo 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 of 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.

Akande stated that Osinbajo is expected back in Abuja later in the week.