Tinubu salutes Nigerians’ unifying spirit at London exhibition

By Egena Sunday Ode

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, in London on Thursday, praised the creativity and resilience of Nigerians as they reinvented the images of the past into modern history.

The President made this commendation at Tate Modern during a reception organised by the British Government as part of activities to mark the state visit and to celebrate the industry of Nigerians who are contributing significantly to the growth and development of the country.

Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, stated in a statement on Friday.

According to the statement, the president said: “the theme of the exhibition, Nigeria’s modernism, is more than just a title for an art show. It is a testament to revolution. It tells the story of a generation of Nigerian giants, who in the middle of the 20th century refused to be despised but chose to define themselves.”

He praised the creative ingenuity of Nigerians, who have created a timeless and enduring body of work through the fusion of the ancient and the modern.

President Tinubu also used the occasion to assure the gathering that the Nigerian economy had navigated its way out of the dark tunnel of economic uncertainty and hopelessness, and the country is now moving into the bright future that Nigerians expect to unfold.

He advised the gathering not to be carried away by certain negative indices often bandied about by naysayers, affirming his trust in Nigerian citizens’ capacity to excel anywhere, according to the statement by Onanuga.

The UK Deputy Prime Minister, David Lammy, who organised the reception, welcomed the Nigerian President and First Lady, emphasising the strong strategic partnership between the UK and Nigeria, marked by mutual respect and cooperation. He said that the annual trade between the two countries has reached £8.1 billion, with over half a million Nigerians contributing to the UK’s cultural and economic life.

Mr Lammy highlighted Nigeria’s vibrant cultural influence globally, from art to entertainment, and underscored the ambition and future focus of the UK-Nigeria relationship, as exemplified by the ongoing trade and investment dialogue.

Chairman of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission, Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, who moderated the event, also highlighted a few accomplishments of Nigerians holding very important positions in the United Kingdom.