Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, on Friday played host to spouses of African Heads of State attending the 32nd Annual Meeting of the African Export-Import (AFREXIM) Bank in Abuja, in a cultural reception that blended art, fashion, and continental unity.
Held at the renowned Nike Art Gallery in Abuja, the Spouses Programme drew a distinguished gathering of visiting First Ladies and senior representatives, including the First Ladies of Malawi and Gabon, the wife of the Vice President of Tanzania, and a representative of Egypt.
Welcoming her guests, Senator Tinubu underscored the power of the arts in fostering unity and reinforcing shared identity across Africa.
This was contained in a statement by her Senior Special Assistant on Media, Busola Kukoyi.
Our diversity in culture, tribe and tradition is one of our greatest strengths as a continent,” the First Lady said, while noting that the convergence of culture and commerce at the sidelines of the AFREXIM Bank meetings is a reminder of the richness of Africa beyond the boardrooms
The colourful event featured traditional dances, a fashion show spotlighting local designers, and an exhibition of African visual arts.
It also included a guided tour of the gallery and an excursion to Nigerian designer stalls, where the dignitaries took time to sightsee and shop.
While the AFREXIM Bank Annual Meeting is largely centred on economic development and continental cooperation, the Spouses Programme reflected a softer dimension of diplomacy—celebrating African creativity, identity, and soft power.
“This reception may seem relaxed,” Senator Tinubu noted, “but its essence is deeply aligned with the vision of African unity and progress being championed at the AFREXIM Bank gathering
The event, which was coordinated by the Office of the First Lady of Nigeria, highlighted the nation’s role not only as a host of high-level economic deliberations but also as a custodian of rich cultural heritage.
The Spouses Programme underscored a growing emphasis on cultural diplomacy as a complement to economic cooperation, aligning with the broader goals of the AFREXIM Bank’s 2025 Annual Meeting to advance Africa’s prosperity through unity in diversity.
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