The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has arrived in Milan, Italy, for a series of high-level discussions aimed at strengthening partnerships in agriculture and vocational education.
Wike’s arrival was confirmed in a statement by his Senior Special Assistant on Public Communications and Social Media, Lere Olayinka, on Wednesday. According to the statement, the minister left Abuja on Tuesday night and landed in Milan at approximately 4:30 am on Wednesday. He was welcomed by Nigeria’s Charge d’Affaires in Italy, Ambassador Mustapha Mohammed.
As part of his official visit, Wike is scheduled to meet with Attilio Fontana, the President of the Lombardy Region, on Thursday. Their discussions will focus on potential collaborations in agriculture, vocational training, and other strategic sectors to enhance development in the FCT.
Olayinka stated, “The FCT Minister will meet with the President of Lombardy Region on Thursday and engage with agribusiness investors during his stay in Milan.”
Lombardy, Italy’s economic powerhouse, has a population of approximately 10 million and is the second most populous region in the European Union. It also ranks among the EU’s top regions by nominal Gross Domestic Product.
The minister’s discussions with Fontana will explore ways to leverage Lombardy’s advanced agricultural techniques and vocational training models to support development initiatives in the FCT. Additionally, Wike will engage with investors and experts in agribusiness and vocational education to unlock new opportunities for investment and collaboration.
Accompanying the minister on the trip are key officials, including the FCT Mandate Secretary for Education, Dr. Danlami Hayyo; Mandate Secretary for Agriculture and Rural Development, Lawan Geidam; Senior Special Assistant on Administration, Dr. Udo Samuel Atang; and Senior Special Assistant on Legal and Multi-Lateral Cooperation, Barrister Benedict Daudu.
