31st July, 2010
Ahead of President Goodluck Jonathan’s official visit to the Republic of Benin, on Aug. 1, the Nigerian embassy and community are planning a grand reception for him, the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports.
NAN reports that Jonathan’s one-day visit is on the invitation of President Boni Yayi of the Republic of Benin.
The Nigerian president is among world leaders expected to grace the francophone country’s 50th Independence Anniversary on Sunday, Aug. 1.
Amb. Lawrence Akindele, the Nigerian Envoy to Republic of Benin told NAN on Friday that during the visit, Jonathan would interact with the Nigerian community in the country.
Akindele said that Nigerians in Benin were eagerly awaiting the Nigerian leader’s maiden visit to the neighbouring West African country “and a befitting reception awaits him.
The Embassy in conjunction with the Nigerian community in Cotonou, is collaborating to organise a befitting welcome for President Jonathan’s visit, he said.
NAN also reports that President Yayi was one of the world leaders who visited Nigeria to commiserate with the government and people over the demise of late President Umar Yar’Adua in February.