Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has assured that President Bola Tinubu and the nation’s security agencies are intensifying efforts to tackle insecurity across the country, particularly the challenges of terrorism and kidnapping.
She gave the assurance on Tuesday while receiving the Ambassador of the State of Qatar to Nigeria, Yousef Bin Hassan Al-Hail, and the embassy’s Consul, Mr Khalifa Al-Khalifa, during a courtesy visit.
The meeting also focused on strengthening bilateral relations between Nigeria and Qatar, with both sides expressing optimism about expanding cooperation in areas of mutual interest.
Speaking during the visit, the First Lady acknowledged that insecurity remains one of Nigeria’s most pressing challenges but stressed that the Federal Government has remained committed to restoring peace and ensuring the safety of lives and property.
She identified terrorism and kidnapping as the country’s major security concerns, assuring the Qatari envoy that President Tinubu, in collaboration with the nation’s security agencies, is working tirelessly to address the threats.
According to her, the administration is determined to improve security across the country while creating an environment that supports economic growth, investment and national development.
Mrs Tinubu also used the opportunity to project a positive image of Nigeria, describing the country as a vast and diverse nation blessed with peaceful, friendly and patriotic citizens. She said that despite the security challenges in some parts of the country, Nigeria remains a beautiful destination with enormous cultural and economic potential.
“We know as Nigerians that we have a great country. One of the things we want our young people to do is to visit other states in Nigeria. It is a very beautiful country.”
The First Lady emphasized the importance of promoting domestic tourism and national unity, noting that encouraging Nigerians to explore different parts of the country would deepen understanding among the country’s diverse ethnic and cultural groups.
She also called for stronger diplomatic and economic ties between Nigeria and Qatar, expressing confidence that both countries could build on their existing relationship for greater mutual benefit.
According to her, enhanced cooperation in areas such as trade, investment, education, tourism and cultural exchange would further strengthen the longstanding friendship between the two nations.
In his remarks, the Ambassador of the State of Qatar to Nigeria, Yousef Bin Hassan Al-Hail, disclosed that he had initially been apprehensive about taking up his diplomatic assignment in Nigeria due to negative narratives circulating on social media.
He explained that many of the reports he encountered before arriving portrayed Nigeria as an unsafe destination, creating concerns about his posting. However, the ambassador said his perception changed completely after arriving in the country.
According to him, his personal experience in Nigeria has been significantly different from the negative image often presented online. He noted that he had encountered warm hospitality, friendliness and openness from Nigerians, describing the experience as both pleasant and reassuring.
The envoy’s remarks highlighted the contrast between international perceptions shaped by social media and the realities he has witnessed since assuming his diplomatic responsibilities in Nigeria.
Observers say his comments could help encourage greater confidence among potential investors, visitors and members of the international community considering opportunities in Nigeria.
The courtesy visit also underscored the importance both countries place on strengthening diplomatic engagement and expanding cooperation across various sectors.
Nigeria and Qatar have continued to deepen bilateral relations in recent years through increased collaboration in trade, aviation, education, energy and investment, with both governments expressing commitment to exploring additional areas of partnership.
The meeting between the First Lady and the Qatari delegation reaffirmed the shared desire to build stronger diplomatic ties while promoting mutual understanding and cooperation between the two nations.
Mrs Tinubu reiterated that despite current security challenges, Nigeria remains committed to creating a safer environment for its citizens, residents and international partners, expressing confidence that ongoing efforts by President Tinubu and the country’s security agencies would continue to yield positive results.
