By Adeyemi Adeleye
Some UK-based Nigerians have expressed excitement over the proposed State Visit of President Bola Tinubu to the United Kingdom.
Their position is contained in a statement issued on Tuesday by Mr Ade Adeshina, who spoke on behalf of the Nigerians resident in Britain.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the two-day visit, scheduled for March 18 to March 19, follows a formal invitation extended by King Charles III.
President Tinubu will be accompanied by the First Lady, Sen. Oluremi Tinubu, for high-level engagements at Windsor Castle.
King Charles III and Queen Camilla are expected to host the Nigerian leader during the historic diplomatic visit.
The UK-based Nigerians spoke under the aegis of political pressure group, President Tinubu Support Organisation (PTSO-UK), where Adeshina is the Director-General.
Adeshina said the proposed visit signalled a renewed chapter in Nigeria–UK relations anchored on mutual respect and strategic cooperation.
The Diaspora leader recalled that as Prince of Wales, King Charles visited Nigeria in 1990, 1999, 2006 and 2018.
He further noted that the monarch received President Tinubu at Buckingham Palace in September 2024, reinforcing growing diplomatic ties.
Adeshina described the March visit as a moment of pride and affirmation for Nigerians living across the United Kingdom.
He said it underscored Nigeria’s strategic importance within the Commonwealth and the broader international community.
According to him, the visit also reflects international acknowledgement of Tinubu’s leadership during a defining period for the nation.
He stated that since assuming office, the President had embarked on bold economic and governance reforms.
Adeshina explained that the reforms were aimed at stabilising public finances, enhancing transparency and strengthening national security structures.
He added that while the measures required resilience and sacrifice, they demonstrated courageous leadership and long-term vision.
The statement indicated that Nigerians in Britain had remained steadfast in their support for the administration’s reform agenda.
Adeshina said Diaspora members had mobilised resources, strengthened networks and promoted constructive engagement with British institutions.
He disclosed that associates recently facilitated the establishment of a digital learning hub at Ikeja Senior High School in Lagos State.
According to him, the initiative reflected the Diaspora’s practical commitment to educational development and youth empowerment in Nigeria.
He said UK-based Nigerians looked forward to engaging the President during the visit to express appreciation and reaffirm loyalty.
Adeshina added that the visit provided an opportunity to deepen economic diplomacy, encourage investment flows and strengthen people-to-people ties.
He maintained that the significance of the visit extended beyond ceremony to renewed partnership between Nigeria and the United Kingdom.
He added that Nigerians in Britain stood ready to welcome the President and celebrate a new phase in bilateral relations.
He noted that the engagement would mark the first presidential State Visit from Nigeria to Britain in 37 years.
NAN also recalls that previous State Visits by Nigerian leaders were recorded in 1973, 1981 and 1989. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
AYO/KTO
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Edited by Kamal Tayo Oropo
