By Ajibola Olaide, JKNewsMedia Correspondent
PRESIDENT BOLA Tinubu has arrived in Rio de Janeiro to attend the 17th Summit of Heads of State and Government for the Global South and the BRICS economic bloc, comprising Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa.
His aircraft touched down at Galeao Air Force Base at 8:45 pm local time on Friday, a statement issued by Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on (Information & Strategy), reveals.
The Commander of the base supervised a ceremonial Guard of Honour, as Brazil’s Deputy Minister for Africa and the Middle East, Ambassador Carlos Sergio Sobral Duarte, and Deputy Minister for Trade Promotion, Science, Technology, Innovation, and Culture, welcomed the Nigerian delegation.
President Tinubu’s visit follows an invitation from Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva. Ahead of the summit’s formal opening on 6 and 7 July, where he is scheduled to attend a bilateral meeting with President Lula today, 5 July.
During the summit, Tinubu will participate in the high-level plenary session, where he is expected to present Nigeria’s ongoing economic reforms aimed at boosting global competitiveness.
His intervention will also highlight the country’s potential in agriculture, solid minerals, healthcare, and alternative energy, as part of efforts to attract foreign investment.
Themed “Strengthening Global South Cooperation for More Inclusive and Sustainable Governance,” this year’s summit will focus on shared development challenges and joint action in areas such as health, climate change, artificial intelligence, and governance.
Ahead of the leaders’ engagements, BRICS political negotiators held preliminary discussions to align stronger multilateral responses against structural inequalities. Priorities included commitments to AI regulation, climate finance, and action against diseases driven by social determinants.
President Tinubu is joined by five Nigerian state governors: Hyacinth Alia (Benue), Babajide Sanwo-Olu (Lagos), Dapo Abiodun (Ogun), Sheriff Oborevwori (Delta), and Mohammed Umar Bago (Niger), who are also participating in the summit.
