Hajia Hansatu Zannah highlights benefits of Tinubu’s UK state visit, calls it measure of goodwill by host nation

Hajia Hansatu Zannah widow of former Deputy Governor of Borno State, Zannah Umar Mustapha, has commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his state visit to the United Kingdom (UK), calling it an uncommon milestone that will undoubtedly benefit ordinary Nigerians and also as a measure of goodwill by King Charles III and Prime Minister Keir Starmer.

The visit at the invitation of King Charles III, marked a turning point in Nigeria’s global standing.

She noted that it was the first of such high-level engagement in 37 years after former military President Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida visited in 1989.

Hajia Hansatu who has lately become more vocal on topical national issues especially those relating to government policies and programmes acknowledged that President Tinubu’s latest trip was more than ceremonial.

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She stressed that such diplomatic engagement would essentially reflect Nigeria’s re-emergence as a key player on the global stage with substantial reputational boost.

She highlighted £746 million agreement to refurbish the Apapa and Tin Can Island Ports as one of the major gains of the trip while also noting that improved port infrastructure would expand transportation of goods, clearance and ultimately reduce the cost of commodities in local markets.

Speaking after Wednesday Iftar with some newsmen in Abuja, she expressed optimism that the President’s official trip would carry tangible economic and social benefits for the citizenry in large scale.

She added that President Tinubu’s engagements with British business leaders and the signing of Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) in trade and solid minerals as steps toward job creation, especially for young Nigerians and bilateral discussions on defence and security would strengthen efforts to combat insecurity, thereby enabling farmers to safely return to their farmlands in Katsina, Plateau, Sokoto, Borno and other states in Nigeria that are ravaged by security challenges.

“The benefits of a state visit such as this include strengthening international relationships, showcasing the host nation’s culture and diplomacy, and fostering diplomatic ties. State visits are considered the highest expression of friendly bilateral relations between two sovereign states and are characterized by an emphasis on official public ceremonies.

“They also serve as a platform for political discussions, economic agreements, and cultural exchanges. Impressively this will form the highlights of this trip to our former colonial master.

“President Tinubu has succeeded in closing and breaking the jinx of 37 years gap of State visit to the United Kingdom after the former military President Gen. (rtd) Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida visited in 1987, this remarkable paradigm will truly make Nigeria to enjoy the trust and confidence of the United Kingdom government and it’s allies.

“For once UK is ready to do business with Nigeria like never before. President Tinubu is someone the British government feels will bring about the desired change. Definitely, our president’s visit will enhance the bilateral relations between the two countries.

“It is equally a measure of goodwill King Charles III, Prime Minister Keir Starmer and the entire UK government have for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and his administration. That goodwill goes beyond UK; it also extends to international community especially, the western world,” Hajia Hansatu stated.