President Alexander Lukashenko of Belarus has expressed a keen interest in strengthening economic ties with Nigeria.
Lukashenko spoke in Minsk, the Belarus capital just as Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu secured foreign scholarship for 20 Nigerian students through her Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI).
The scholarship award was the highlight of the recent visit of Nigeria’s First Lady to Belarus as part of the propagation of the objectives of the Renewed Hope Initiative.
President Lukashenko emphasised Belarus’s willingness to collaborate with Nigeria in several key sectors, including agriculture, food processing, industry, and education.
The Belarus leader noted that Senator Tinubu’s visit has bolstered his administration’s commitment to enhancing bilateral relations, particularly in the area of specialist training.
“We understand your needs and recognize the significant possibilities you offer. These possibilities are crucial for us. We can provide substantial assistance to you, and we hope for reciprocation,” Lukashenko stated through an interpreter.
He also expressed a desire to deepen educational collaboration, urging Senator Tinubu to facilitate a visit from Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs to further develop these cooperative efforts.
In response, Senator Oluremi Tinubu thanked President Lukashenko for granting full scholarships to 20 Nigerian students through her Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI).
She explained that RHI focuses on empowering women, particularly through the Women in Agriculture program, which aims to enhance food security and production in Nigeria. She assured that Nigeria would pursue further collaboration with Belarus to achieve mutual goals.
Earlier, Senator Tinubu met with Belarusian Minister of Education Andrey Ivanets, who highlighted the presence of approximately 600 Nigerian students excelling in various academic fields in Belarus.
Ivanets expressed a desire to formalize a bilateral educational agreement and discussed plans to establish Specialist Training Centers in Nigeria. Senator Tinubu praised the Belarusian Work Experience program and expressed interest in adopting similar initiatives in Nigeria.
During her visit, Senator Tinubu also held discussions with the Speaker of the Belarusian Parliament, Ms. Natalya Kochanova, and members of the Women’s Union of Belarus, comprising professional women from various sectors.
