President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has restated Nigeria’s readiness to strengthen international partnerships and align its foreign policy with the changing global landscape in trade, politics, and culture.

Receiving the Vice President of the Republic of Colombia, Francia Márquez, at the State House in Abuja on Monday, President Tinubu emphasized that global economic volatility and shifting international policies would require new partners for shared prosperity.

The President assured the visiting delegation, which included senior government, business, and diplomatic officials from the South American nation, that Nigeria would replicate the agreements it signed with Brazil on aviation and consular matters with Colombia.

He noted that the agreements and conclusions reached during the bilateral meetings supervised by Vice President Kashim Shettima would be treated with urgency.

“I believe the Vice President and his team have done the job. Our business opportunities with Colombia have already been enhanced. I support every aspect that you have agreed on. Particularly for Colombia, the agreement we entered with Brazil can easily be replicated in aviation, and our diplomatic relations can be enhanced. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs will accelerate that,” President Tinubu said.

The President encouraged Colombian business leaders to explore opportunities in Nigeria’s oil and gas industry, as well as agriculture, highlighting that the country’s youthful and expanding population offers a strong consumer market and skilled workforce to support investments.

Vice President Kashim Shettima said the visit of the Colombian Vice President would rekindle ancestral connections that were broken by slavery and colonialism, while also paving the way for a prosperous future partnership. He pointed out that the two nations share political and cultural similarities that would help to foster sustainable economic collaboration.

On her part, Vice President Francia Márquez outlined priority areas for strengthening bilateral relations, including aviation, visas, political consultations, cultural exchanges, and trade.

“As the first black Vice President of Colombia, I am extremely delighted to lead this visit to the land of our ancestors. Our ancestors were taken away from Africa centuries ago,” she said. Márquez explained that her visit would open the door to a long-term partnership built on deep cultural connections and heritage.

She further assured that relations with Nigeria would be beneficial for both countries, with specific focus on social justice, gender equality, and inclusivity. “We have had a meeting with the business leaders in aviation on the need to start direct flights to Colombia,” she added.

Márquez emphasized that Nigeria’s leadership role in Africa and the influence of the African Union in issues of restoration and reparation would help strengthen relations with Latin America and the Caribbean.

Those present at the meeting included Chief of Staff Femi Gbajabiamila, Minister of Foreign Affairs Yusuf Maitama Tuggar, Coordinating Minister of Finance and Economy Wale Edun, Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment Dr. Jumoke Oduwole, and Minister of Women Affairs and Social Development Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim.

Oyo State Government has announced a major investment opportunity in the tourism sector, calling for Expressions of Interest from both local and international investors to partner with the state on five priority tourism projects.

The initiative is being coordinated by the Ministry of Culture and Tourism in collaboration with the Oyo State Investment and Public-Private Partnership Agency (OYSIPA).

According to the government, the projects will be developed under Public-Private Partnership arrangements to boost the state’s tourism industry and attract long-term investment.

The five sites highlighted under the Focus 5 Tourism Investment initiative include Eleyele Lake, described as Ibadan’s premier eco-cultural waterfront destination; the Ibadan Cultural Centre, a multi-theatre complex designed for festivals, exhibitions, and civic events; Bower’s Tower, a heritage landmark expected to feature upgraded panoramic tourism infrastructure; Iyake Lake, known as one of only two suspended lakes in the world and envisioned as an eco-park and adventure zone; and Idere Hills, a scenic nature-adventure park with cultural attractions.

In a statement, the government said: “We seek credible partners to finance, design, build, operate, and maintain these sites in line with the State’s Tourism Reset Agenda, ensuring sustainability, community inclusion, and strong return on investment.”

The call is open to single firms, consortia, or joint ventures with proven technical expertise, financial strength, and experience in tourism, hospitality, real estate, cultural asset management, or related infrastructure.

The timeline released by the government indicates that the launch date is 1 September 2025, with a deadline for clarification questions set for 14 September. Site visits, which require pre-registration, are scheduled between 8 September and 26 September. The deadline for EOI submission is 30 September 2025.

The Expression of Interest Pack, which includes detailed instructions, site memoranda, and submission forms, can be downloaded from the official portal Here.

All submissions are required to be sent electronically in PDF format to investment@tourism.oyostate.gov.ng with the subject line “EOI – Focus 5 Tourism Sites – [Firm Name].”

Late submissions will not be considered and clarified that the EOI is for pre-qualification and shortlisting only, not a tender. The government added: “We reserve the right to accept or reject any Expression of Interest without liability.”

Delta State Government has reported an 80 percent success rate in its efforts to curb pipeline vandalism and illegal oil bunkering across the state.

The disclosure was made in Asaba by the State Commissioner for Oil and Gas, Hon. (Chief) Peter Uviejitobor, who explained that the achievement followed the inauguration of a Special Task Force working closely with security agencies to protect oil and gas facilities.

He noted that while incidents of vandalism and theft may still occur occasionally, the Task Force has been responding quickly to contain them, ensuring that such activities do not derail oil production. “These interventions have helped the state boost oil production, placing it in a position to surpass the quota fixed by the Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC),” Uviejitobor said.

According to the Commissioner, the Ministry also undertakes on-the-spot assessments and inspections whenever oil spills occur in host communities. He added that companies found responsible are mandated to compensate affected communities and carry out proper clean-up exercises.

Uviejitobor further stated that the measures contributed to Delta State receiving the 2024 National Award as the Safest and Most Peaceful State for Oil and Gas Investment in Nigeria, a recognition tied to improved peace and security in the oil-rich region.

He reaffirmed the Ministry’s dedication to professionalism and conflict resolution between oil companies and host communities, emphasizing that all actions align with Governor Sheriff Oborevwori’s MORE Agenda. “Our commitment is clear, especially in the areas of enhanced peace, security, and opportunities for all,” he stressed.