“This state visit is about turning a historic relationship into a modern economic partnership – transforming trust into opportunity,” said Nigeria’s government spokesman, Mohammed Idris.<\/p>\n
“Nigeria’s economic reforms are unlocking the potential of Africa’s largest consumer market. The United Kingdom is a natural partner in what comes next.<\/p>\n
“This visit marks the next step in deepening co-operation across trade, finance and defence,” said Idris.<\/p>\n
The Nigerian visitors, who arrived in the UK on Tuesday, will be given the ceremonial grandeur of a royal welcome on Wednesday, with a carriage procession and then a military parade on the manicured lawns inside Windsor Castle.<\/p>\n
There will be exchanges of gifts and displays of items related to Nigeria that are kept in the Royal Collection, before an opulent state banquet in St George’s Hall.<\/p>\n
President Tinubu and Mrs Tinubu will lay a wreath of flowers on the tomb of the late Queen Elizabeth II, in St George’s Chapel.<\/p>\n
They will also attend an interfaith event, designed to build bridges between religions.<\/p>\n
The president is a Muslim and as this is the month of fasting during Ramadan there won’t be the usual lunch hosted by the King for the visiting dignitaries.<\/p>\n
His wife Oluremi is a Christian who is an ordained pastor.<\/p>\n