Tinubu’s Special Envoy, Amb. Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, Meets Guinea-Bissau President Ahead of June 2025 West African Economic Summit.
By Raymond Enoch
As Nigeria ramps up preparations for the inaugural West African Economic Summit (WAES), President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Special Envoy and Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Her Excellency Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, was hosted in Bissau by His Excellency Umaro Sissoco Embaló, President of Guinea-Bissau, on Thursday, 12th June 2025.
The visit forms part of a broader regional diplomatic mission in advance of the Summit, with further engagements scheduled in Accra, Ghana.
According to a statement signed by Mr. Kimiebi Imomotimi Ebienfa, Spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, said that Ambassador Odumegwu-Ojukwu formally delivered President Tinubu’s invitation to President Sissoco to attend the historic first edition of WAES, set to take place from 20th to 21st June 2025 in Abuja.
She emphasized that the Summit represents a flagship initiative of President Tinubu’s administration, focused on deepening economic integration, strengthening regional trade, and fostering collective development across West Africa.
President Sissoco warmly welcomed the invitation, describing the initiative as “a timely and historic move” that reaffirms Nigeria’s leadership in the region. He confirmed his participation and announced that he would lead a high-level delegation from Guinea-Bissau to the event.
“The integration of our region is not just desirable—it is necessary. Guinea-Bissau stands firmly behind this vision,” he stated.
WAES is expected to convene heads of state, senior policymakers, business leaders, and development partners to chart a transformative path for regional cooperation, economic growth, and sustainable development in West Africa.
