The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has arrived in Milan, Italy, for a series of official engagements, including a high-profile meeting with the President of the Lombardy Region, Attilio Fontana. The visit aims to explore collaboration opportunities in agriculture, vocational education, and strategic development partnerships.
Wike’s Senior Special Assistant on Public Communications and Social Media, Lere Olayinka, confirmed the minister’s arrival in a statement on Wednesday. According to Olayinka, Wike departed Abuja on Tuesday night and arrived in Milan at approximately 4:30 a.m. on Wednesday. He was received by the Charge d’Affaires of the Embassy of Nigeria in Italy, Ambassador Mustapha Mohammed.
During his stay in Milan, Wike is scheduled to meet with Attilio Fontana on Thursday to discuss potential areas of collaboration between the FCT and the Lombardy Region. Lombardy, Italy’s most economically significant region, boasts a population of about 10 million people and ranks as the second most populous region in the European Union (EU). It also holds the second position in the EU by nominal Gross Domestic Product (GDP).
“The FCT Minister’s meeting with Attilio Fontana will focus on seeking collaboration and exploring potential opportunities in agriculture and vocational education, as well as fostering strategic development partnerships with the Lombardy Region,” Olayinka stated.
In addition to the meeting with Fontana, Wike will engage with agribusiness investors and vocational training experts to unlock new opportunities for the FCT. The minister’s delegation includes the FCT Mandate Secretaries for Education, Dr. Danlami Hayyo, and Agriculture and Rural Development, Lawan Geidam, as well as the Senior Special Assistant on Administration, Dr. Udo Samuel Atang, and the Senior Special Assistant on Legal and Multilateral Cooperation, Barrister Benedict Daudu.
Wike’s visit underscores the FCT Administration’s commitment to fostering international partnerships and leveraging global expertise to drive economic growth and development in Nigeria’s capital territory. The outcomes of these engagements are expected to contribute significantly to the advancement of agriculture, vocational training, and overall socio-economic development in the FCT.