Lukashenko of Belarus welcomed Nigerian First Lady Oluremi Tinubu to Minsk, where they discussed ways to enhance bilateral cooperation between their nations. The meeting highlighted key areas of collaboration, including agriculture, food processing, industry, and education.
Belarus expressed its commitment to deeper educational ties with Nigeria. President Lukashenko emphasized the importance of specialist training programs. “We know your needs,” he stated, “and we can render significant assistance.” The Belarusian government hopes to establish Specialist Training Centers in Nigeria, fostering knowledge exchange and capacity building.
The First Lady expressed gratitude for Belarus’s support through her initiative, the Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI). RHI focuses on empowering women, particularly through the Women in Agriculture program. By improving food security and production, this programme aligns with Nigeria’s goals and strengthens the partnership between the two countries.
Belarus currently hosts approximately 600 Nigerian students across various fields of study. These students have excelled academically, contributing to the educational exchange between the nations. Formalizing a bilateral agreement between Belarus and Nigeria will further enhance educational opportunities for both countries.
During her visit, the First Lady engaged with Belarusian Minister of Education Andrey Ivanets. Senator Oluremi Tinubu commended Belarus’s work experience programme, which Nigeria aims to explore. Meetings with Belarusian parliament Speaker Natalya Kochanova and members of the Women’s Union of Belarus underscored the commitment to collaboration across sectors.