Oluremi Tinubu Briefs Qatari Envoy on President's Security Drive

Nigeria's First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has affirmed that President Bola Tinubu and the nation's security apparatus are intensifying efforts to combat insecurity across the country. This disclosure came during a courtesy visit where the Ambassador of the State of Qatar to Nigeria, Yousef Bin Hassan Al-Hail, revealed that his initial apprehension about visiting Nigeria, stemming from negative social media narratives, completely vanished upon his arrival.

During the meeting on Tuesday, which also included the Qatari embassy's Consul, Mr Khalifa Al-Khalifa, Mrs. Tinubu emphasized the need to strengthen the relationship between Nigeria and Qatar for mutual advantage. She pinpointed terrorism and kidnapping as Nigeria's primary security challenges, assuring the ambassador that the President and security agencies are working relentlessly to tackle these issues. The First Lady characterized Nigeria as an expansive country populated by peaceful, amiable, and patriotic citizens.

"We, as Nigerians, understand that we possess a remarkable country. One of our aspirations is for our young people to explore other states within Nigeria. It is an exceptionally beautiful country," she stated. "Regarding evil, it is faceless and manifests in various forms. What we are currently facing in Nigeria is terrorism and kidnapping. Nevertheless, the President, in collaboration with the armed forces, is doing everything possible to address these challenges. We are optimistic and believe Nigeria will achieve greatness in our lifetime, taking its rightful place among the community of nations."

Senator Tinubu also encouraged Nigerian youth to leverage the country's abundant natural and cultural resources by exploring tourism opportunities to create employment. She highlighted her delight in her position, which allows her to traverse the country, engage with its people, appreciate diverse cultures, and witness Nigeria's offerings. "We have not fully tapped into the potential of our young people. While our focus often lies on oil, lithium, and gas, Nigeria's most significant treasure is its tourism sector," she explained. "We boast a rich culture, exceptional cuisine, and numerous attractions that can generate employment for young Nigerians. Despite our challenges, encouraging our youth to discover the true wealth of this nation will greatly benefit the country."

Earlier, Ambassador Al-Hail praised Nigeria and advocated for enhanced bilateral cooperation between Qatar and Nigeria, particularly in the aviation and tourism sectors. He also urged Nigerians to desist from cyberbullying and the dissemination of misinformation on social media, asserting that such actions negatively portray the country. "Nigeria is a diverse nation with varied peoples, cultures, and languages. As one of the world's leading oil producers, it holds a significant economic position in Africa. Nigeria also has the largest population on the continent, making it a crucial player in Africa's economic and political landscape," Al-Hail remarked.

He further added, "We are keen to strengthen economic ties, address shared challenges, and build a robust partnership for development and stability. Before my arrival, I harbored fears about Nigeria due to what I encountered on social media, but my actual experience has been entirely different. Nigeria offers pleasant weather, wonderful people, and beautiful nature; it truly feels like home. We should aim to increase the number of flights to Abuja and Lagos to three or four times per week."