Nigeria celebrates its Expo 2020 Dubai National Day with a visit by President Muhammadu Buhari
By: Delroy Constantine Simms
Tags: Exp2020, Nigeria, Dubai, Nigerian Politics

President Muhammadu Buhari

DUBAI, 3 December 2021 — Nigeria celebrated its National Day at Expo 2020 with a visit by President Muhammadu Buhari, and spectacular performances by the National Troupe of Nigeria and award-winning Afropop singer-songwriter Teni at Al Wasl Plaza.

President Muhammadu Buhari, accompanied by Foreign Minister Geoffrey Onyeama, was welcomed by His Excellency Sheikh Nahayan Mabarak Al Nahayan, UAE Minister of Tolerance and Coexistence and Commissioner General of Expo 2020 Dubai.

President Buhari said: “Expo 2020 Dubai is, by all measures, the single most important global event of its kind to take place in the Middle East, Africa and the South East Asian regions in recent years. We are proud to be part of this dynamic evolution of pragmatic partnerships that are both creative and innovative for the progress of the country.

“The Nigerian delegation is participating in this Expo with great prospects for positive outcomes, while assuring the world of our determination and readiness to partner with relevant investors in our bid to tackle a number of challenges to make Nigeria a better country.”

President Buhari said Nigeria was striving to be “a strategic partner of choice for the global community” and was eager to explore opportunities to unlock the huge potential of the country, particularly in the fields of defence and security, healthcare, agriculture agribusiness, climate change, youth and women’s empowerment, infrastructure and technology.

His Excellency Sheikh Nahayan said: “Nigeria’s participation showcases the tremendous growth potential, in a country that it is considered one of the largest economies and one of the most industrialised nations in Africa.

“Under its theme ‘Rising in Value’, the pavilion highlights to us Nigeria’s significant contributions to the world, and sheds light on the creative and technology sectors driving the youth and future of the country. The pavilion also highlights the numerous opportunities for investments that exist in key sectors such as agriculture, solid minerals, manufacturing, and creative industries, while also giving us a glimpse of its pristine nature, and its vibrant cultural and heritage sites.”

The a dance, musical and theatrical performance of the National Troupe of Nigeria, which was founded in 1991 to promote, preserve and present the country’s rich heritage, was an abridged version of their touring production, ‘Ajoyo’, which celebrates the beauty of Nigeria’s diverse culture, while award-winning Nigerian singer-songwriter Teni wowed the audience with her inspired Afropop.

Nigerian singer-songwriter Teni wowed the audience with her inspired Afropop.

Situated in the Opportunity District, the Nigeria Pavilion showcases a vast and populous land filled with energy, potential and opportunities, illustrated through a series of ‘avenues’. Visitors can take a walk down Resilience Avenue to discover more about the country’s burgeoning agricultural sector; Respectful Avenue teaches visitors about Nigeria’s cultural heritage, comprising 250 ethnic groups with unique traditions; Hardworking Avenue explores the country’s vibrant manufacturing sector; and Enterprising Avenue shows visitors the creativity of the Nigerian people, and the technological innovations propelling the country into the 21st century.

National and Honour Days at Expo 2020 Dubai are moments to celebrate each of our 200-plus International Participants, shining a light on their culture and achievements, and showcasing their pavilions and programming. Each features a flag-raising ceremony at the Stage of Nations in Al Wasl Plaza, followed by speeches and cultural performances.

Running until 31 March 2022, Expo 2020 has invited visitors from across the planet to join the making of a new world in a six-month celebration of human creativity, innovation, progress and culture.

Pic By Exp 2020