Listen to article
|
Governor Peter Mbah of Enugu State has praised President Bola Tinubu’s state visit to France, calling it a crucial move to bolster bilateral ties and create new avenues for collaboration between national and subnational governments. The visit, he emphasized, could open doors for economic partnerships and development opportunities at the state level.
During the Nigerian delegation’s visit to France, Governor Peter Mbah took time to speak with State House correspondents in Paris. He highlighted the critical role of such high-level diplomatic engagements in spurring growth, noting that they are key to advancing development not only at the federal level but also within the states, driving both local and national prosperity.
“This visit demonstrates the strong relationship between Nigeria and France.
“It’s not just about diplomacy; it’s also about creating opportunities for states like ours to explore trade, investment, and development partnerships,” he said.
Speaking with State House correspondents, Governor Peter Mbah shed light on the ongoing collaboration between Enugu State and Agence Française de Développement (AFD), the French development finance body. He emphasized that AFD’s involvement in expanding the state’s urban water infrastructure was already making a tangible impact on the local communities’ access to clean water.
He said that the visit provided a platform to consolidate existing deals and explore additional areas of cooperation such as agriculture.
Read also: Mbah Seeks Overhaul To Experiential Learning In Schools
“For us in Enugu, this is beyond an exploratory mission. It is an opportunity to strengthen and build on partnerships that can directly impact our people through enhanced infrastructure and economic growth,” he stated.
He described the state visit to France as “remarkable and consequential,” emphasising its significance as the first of such visits in 24 years.
“This visit demonstrates the strong bilateral relationship between France and Nigeria.
“State visits like this further strengthen and build on such relationships, offering opportunities for both nations to explore new trade and investment prospects,” Mbah said.