To mark its national day celebrations at Expo 2020 - 3rd of December 2021 - the Federal Republic of Nigeria organised and brought to the world cultural performances, a musical concert, bilateral meetings, and presentations.
The event was held at the Al Wasl Plaza with the President, His Excellency, Muhammadu Buhari who was flanked a by a host of notable dignitaries, including Foreign Minister Geoffrey Onyeama. Their Excellency’s were received and welcomed by His Excellency, Sheikh Nahayan Mabarak Al Nahayan, UAE Minister of Tolerance and Coexistence and Commissioner General of Expo 2020 Dubai.
“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,” said Sheikh Nahayan.
“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” he concluded.
Nigerian Head of State, President Buhari acknowledged the efforts of leaders around the world in tackling the Coronavirus and its lasting effect on the global economy. The president mentioned that pragmatic partnerships are important to ensure that the world is a better place and commended the efforts of the government of the United Arab Emirates for being able to put together such amazing event in these trying times.
“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,”
“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” remarked the President.
Nigeria’s leader said that his nation 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” as he concluded his address.
There was an array of cultural performances including from the National Troupe of Nigeria and award-winning Afropop singer-songwriter Teni to sign off the day in style.
Nigeria’s pavilion is located in the Opportunity District, showcasing to visitors a vast and populous land filled with energy, potential and opportunities, illustrated through a series of ‘avenues’.
Visitors will have the opportunity to 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.
