Odimmegwa Johnpeter/Abuja
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs wishes to inform the public that the Special Envoy of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on West Africa Economic Summit (WAES), Her Excellency Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu was received by President Alassane Ouattara of Côte d’Ivoire on Friday, June 13, 2025 at the Presidential Palace in Abidjan. This was contained in a statement signed by Kimiebi Imomotimi Ebienfa, Spokesperson, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Abuja.
The envoy delivered a formal letter of invitation from President Tinubu, inviting President Ouattara to participate in the inaugural West Africa Economic Summit, scheduled to take place from June 20–21, 2025, in Abuja. The delegation of the Special Envoy includes: Ambassador Sola Enikanolaiye, Senior Special Assistant to Mr. President on Foreign Affairs, Ambassador John Ejinaka and Ambassador Ahmed Sule.
The Special Envoy informed the host President that Nigeria is preparing to host key decision-makers from across government and industry in what promises to be a landmark moment for the region. Ambassador Bianca highlighted the fact that WAES 2025 is designed to launch a new chapter in regional economic cooperation, with a focus on sustainable development, strategic integration, and a shared vision for West Africa’s economic sovereignty with the theme ‘Unlocking Trade and Investment Opportunities in the Region’.
President Ouattara welcomed the initiative, noting its timeliness and significance in shaping the future of the region. He expressed appreciation for President Tinubu’s leadership and reaffirmed Côte d’Ivoire’s commitment to collaborative progress.
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