In the wake of growing xenophobic violence on citizens of other nationals, President Muhammadu Buhari today (2nd October 2019) departs Abuja on a three-day state visit to South Africa. The visit came on the invitation of President Cyril Ramaphosa, of South Africa to discuss the welfare of Nigerians in that country.
The Senior Special Assistant (SSA) to the President on Media and Publicity, Mallam Garba Shehu, in a statement disclosed that the visit was also to find common grounds for building harmonious relations for Nigerian with their hosts.
Also, President Buhari was accompanied by Governor Abdullahi Umar Ganduje of Kano State, Governor Simon Lalong of Plateau State and Governor David Umahi of Ebonyi State.
Others are the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Geoffrey Onyeama; the Minister of Defense, Maj. Gen. Bashir Magashi (rtd); the Minister of Power, Eng. Saleh Mamman; the Minister of Interior, Rauf Aregbesola; the Minister of Mines and Steel Development, Arch.
Olamilekan Adegbite; the Minister of Police Affairs, Maigari Dingyadi and the Minister of State, Industry, Trade and Investment, Amb. Mariam Katagum. Others on the trip are the National Security Adviser, Gen. Babagana Monguno (rtd); the Director-General, National Intelligence Agency, Amb. Ahmed Rufai Abubakar and the Chairman/CEO, Nigeria Diaspora Commission, Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa.
It was gathered that while in South Africa, the President will hold a town hall meeting with Nigerians living in South Africa.
He will also preside over the South Africa/Nigeria Bi-National Commission, during which a progress report will be presented.
The president and his delegation including Nigerian business representatives will also participate at a South Africa-Nigeria Business Forum with their host counterparts.
The president is expected back to the Country on Friday, 4th October 2019.