The Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Amb. Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, has reaffirmed Nigeria’s readiness to work closely with Russian and by extension the BRICS platform, to promote inclusive prosperity.
Odumegwu-Ojukwu, disclosed this in a statement issued on Wednesday by Dr Magnus Eze, Special Assistant on Communication and New Media, Office of the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs.
The statement was against backdrop of a stakeholders’ interactive session during the visit of the Russian Chapter of the BRICS Women’s Business Alliance (WBA) at the State House Banquet Hall, Abuja.
According to her, Nigeria and Russia are poised to strengthen bilateral ties using the platform of the BRICS WBA.
Odumegwu-Ojukwu said, “Though, Nigeria and Russia share decades of friendship, cooperation, and solidarity cutting across education, defence, energy, technology, and multilateral diplomacy, the moment demanded they go beyond history and look boldly into the future.”
She stressed that President Bola Tinubu-led administration had charted new course through the Renewed Hope Agenda and 4-Ds foreign policy approach; encompassing Democracy, Development, Demography, and Diaspora.
The minister lauded the First Lady, Sen. Oluremi Tinubu, for hosting the event, calling her an excellent example of the transformative power of women in shaping societies and building bridges across nations.
While welcoming the Russian delegation, on behalf of the First Lady, she explained that its Chairperson, Ms. Anna Nesterova, decision to bring the BRICS WBA to Nigeria, affirmed her commitment to building inclusive economic partnerships.
This, according to her, underlines the central role women play in reshaping global business, diplomacy and investment for the 21st century.
“She has championed women’s empowerment programmes, education for the girl-child, and support systems that enable women to thrive in business, politics, and community development.
“Her leadership continues to inspire Nigerian women to break barriers, embrace innovation, and contribute more actively to national progress.
“It is most fitting that this session, in honour of the Russian Chapter of the BRICS WBA, is hosted under her distinguished guidance.
“Let me conclude by affirming Nigeria’s readiness to work closely with our Russian counterparts, and by extension the BRICS platform, to promote inclusive prosperity.
“We are confident the discussions here today will provide roadmap for stronger bilateral relations, deeper people-to-people connections, and new opportunities that will uplift the lives of our citizens,” she added.
