VP Osinbajo becomes first Nigerian leader to visit Canada in 22 years

The Vice-President of Nigeria, Yemi Osinbajo, has flown out of Nigeria for a three-day official visit to Canada.

This was confirmed in a statement signed by his spokesperson, Laolu Akande, on Sunday.

Akande noted that this would be the first high-level visit by a Nigerian leader to Canada since 2000 when President Olusegun Obasanjo visited the North American nation.

According to him, the visit will deepen diplomatic ties between Nigeria and Canada.

The vice-president is expected to meet Chrystia Freeland, Canadian deputy prime minister, and other top parliamentarians and members of the Canadian government in Ottawa, on Monday.

During the 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,” the statement reads.

On Wednesday, Osinbajo is expected to give a public lecture at the Queen’s University in Kingston.

Before his public lecture at the Queen’s University, Osinbajo will be received at the Ontario-based Carleton University, “which has significant engagements and collaborations with some educational institutions in Nigeria, with ongoing efforts to deepen the mutual relationships around issues including research and curriculum development”.

Akande said Osinbajo will also meet with the leadership of the Nigerian community, including Nollywood artistes and notable Canadian government officials with Nigerian origins.

He will also meet with representatives of the Canadian business community and investors, especially from the creative industry and technology sector.

The vice-president is expected back in Abuja later in the week.