Nigerians living in the United Kingdom are preparing to receive President Bola Tinubu ahead of his upcoming state visit.
Timileyin Ayenuro, Convener of Nigerian Youth in the UK, disclosed this in a statement issued to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Monday in Abuja.
The invitation was extended by King Charles III and Queen Camilla, who are set to host Tinubu from March 18 to March 19. The President will attend the visit alongside the First Lady, Sen. Oluremi Tinubu.
Speaking at a meeting in Birmingham on March 1, Ayenuro called on Nigerians across the UK to turn out in large numbers to give the President a rousing welcome. He reaffirmed the administration’s resolve to drive national development and urged the diaspora community to remain optimistic.
According to him, lasting progress requires patience and sustained support.
“Rome was not built in a day. Nigerians in the UK should continue backing efforts to reposition the country,” he said, adding that Tinubu has taken firm steps to tackle insecurity.
Ayenuro noted that the government has rolled out strategic security measures, with encouraging outcomes already emerging in parts of the country.
Also speaking, Emmanuel Akeredolu, Coordinator of Ondo Collectives UK, said Nigeria has recorded notable growth since the return to democratic rule in 1999.
He reflected on a recent trip home and praised improvements at the airports, especially the seamless check-in and exit process enabled by the e-gate system.
Akeredolu commended the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, and the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, for reforms introduced in their ministries. He described their efforts as impactful and development-driven.
Representing Nigerian women in the UK, Mrs Folasade Uangbaoje thanked the Nigerian High Commission for strengthening ties with the community. She praised the mission for easing access to consular services, which previously forced many Nigerians to travel home for assistance.
Uangbaoje also lauded the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission, led by Abike Dabiri-Erewa, for its swift response to issues affecting Nigerians abroad and its consistent engagement with the diaspora.
The meeting ended with a collective appeal for Nigerians across the UK to mobilise and warmly receive the President and First Lady during the state visit.
