Tinubu Hosts Queen of Denmark, Seeks Investment in Livestock, Education.
By Caroline Ameh
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has underscored the need to expand Nigeria’s dairy and livestock economy, noting that the sector holds significant potential for job creation, rural development, and food security in the face of the country’s rapidly growing population.
The President made this remark on Tuesday at the State House, Abuja, while receiving Queen Mary Elizabeth of Denmark, who is visiting Nigeria in her capacity as Patron of the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA). It marks the Queen’s first official visit to the country.
According to a statement by presidential spokesman Bayo Onanuga, Tinubu emphasized Nigeria’s willingness to deepen cooperation with Denmark in areas such as knowledge transfer, veterinary health, and sustainable agribusiness practices.
He acknowledged that recurring conflicts between farmers and herders remain a pressing challenge in the country, but expressed optimism that these could be transformed into economic opportunities through investment, education, and modernisation.
“We can convert that friction into structured economic opportunity and provide education pathways, even for farmers and herders. We can stabilise communities, grow our food systems, and lift millions out of poverty,” Tinubu stated.
The President reiterated that population dynamics remain a cornerstone of Nigeria’s foreign policy, aligning with his administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda. He stressed the urgency of managing Nigeria’s projected 400 million population by 2050 through strategic investments in agriculture, education, healthcare, and employment.
Talking about the ongoing macroeconomic reforms, Tinubu called for foreign investments that would reinforce local production and job creation.
He acknowledged Danish investments in Nigeria’s agriculture and maritime sectors, commending companies such as A.P. Moller–Maersk and Grundfos for their contributions to national infrastructure and food systems.
Tinubu also praised Denmark’s support for internally displaced persons (IDPs) in conflict-affected regions and expressed hope for sustained collaboration as Denmark prepares to assume the presidency of the European Union Council and a seat on the United Nations Security Council (2025–2026).
On the social front, the President welcomed the partnership between Queen Mary and Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, particularly in initiatives targeting school feeding and the reduction of out-of-school children.
The First Lady stressed the need to modernise and integrate traditional Islamic schools into the broader formal education system, ensuring recognition of the knowledge they impart.
In her remarks, Queen Mary thanked President Tinubu and the First Lady for their warm reception and conveyed her sympathies over the humanitarian crisis in Nigeria’s northeast.
She said her visit aimed to deepen bilateral ties and explore investment opportunities in the green economy, women-led trade and businesses, child health, and cultural and educational exchanges.
The Queen commended the First Lady’s efforts through the Renewed Hope Initiative Programme, supporting women and families across the country. She also noted her upcoming visit to the A.P. Moller–Maersk terminal in Lagos as part of her business engagements.
Denmark, she noted, has a longstanding partnership with Nigeria, especially in supporting sustainable development and humanitarian efforts for displaced populations in conflict-ridden areas.
