By Ben Adoga, Abuja
Minister of Nigeria’s Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Nyesom Wike is in Milan, Italy where he has been scheduled to discuss partnerships, agro- business and vocational education with experts and key stakeholders.
In Milan, Wike will meet with the President of Lombardy Region, Attilio Fontana.
The Minister’s Senior Special Assistant on Public Communications and Social Media, Lere Olayinka, in a statement from Milan stated that Wike, who departed Abuja on Tuesday night, and arrived in Milan at about 4:30am Wednesday, was received by the Charge d’Affairs of the Embassy of Nigeria in Italy, Ambassador Mustapha Mohammed.
“He will be engaging stakeholders on mutually beneficial issues to both countries.
“While in Milan, the FCT Minister will hold a meeting with the President of Lombardy Region on Thursday, and also meet agribusiness investors.”
Lombardy is adjudged as the first region of Italy in terms of economic importance, with population of about 10 million people. It is the second most populous region of the European Union, EU and the second region of the European Union by nominal Gross Domestic Product, GDP.
“The FCT Minister’s meeting with Attilio Fontana will center on seeking collaboration and evaluating possible prospects in the areas of Agriculture and Vocational Education, as well as strategic development partners with the Lombardy Region.
“Subsequently, Wike will meet investors in agribusiness and experts in vocational training, with a view to unlock new opportunities in the FCT.
Along with the FCT Minister on the trip are the FCT Mandate Secretaries for Education, Dr. Danlami Hayyo and Mandate Secretary for Agriculture and Rural Development, Lawan Geidam, as well as Senior Special Assistant on Administration, Dr. Samuel Atang and Senior Special Assistant on Legal and Multi-Lateral Cooperation, Barrister Benedict Daudu.
Recall that the Italian Ambassador to Nigeria, Stefano Leo visited the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike in his office in September, 2023 when both discussed the possibilities of collaborations and agribusiness as well as skills education among both countries.
Wike’s visit could as well be a response to the earlier visit of the Italian ambassador.
