Osinbajo’s visit, according to his spokesman, Laolu Akande, will be the first high-level visit to the North American country in two decades.
According to the VP’s spokesman, the visit will strengthen bilateral trade and strengthen diplomatic ties between Nigeria and Canada.
On Monday, Osinbajo will meet with Canadian Deputy Prime Minister Chrystia Freeland, members of the Canadian government, and top lawmakers, according to Akande.
Among the issues and events to be discussed during the three-day visit are educational collaboration, technology, the creative industry, and climate justice.
The statement reads in part: “The visit will deepen diplomatic ties between Nigeria and Canada as Prof. Osinbajo will meet the Canadian Deputy Prime Minister, Chrystia Freeland, and other top parliamentarians and members of the Canadian government in Ottawa, tomorrow.
“During the 3-day visit, issues and events around educational collaboration, technology, creative industry and climate justice among others, will also feature.
“For instance, the Vice President will give a public lecture at the Queen’s University in Kingston on Wednesday. Established in 1841, Queen’s University is one of Canada’s leading research-intensive academic institutions and is famous for its role in advancing the goals of the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals.”
Before delivering his public lecture, Osinbajo will be received at the Ontario-based Carleton University, which has significant engagements and collaborations with some institutions in Nigeria, with ongoing efforts to deepen the mutual relationships around issues including research and curriculum development.
While in Canada, the Vice President will also meet with the leadership of the Nigerian community, including from Nollywood and notable Canadian government officials of Nigerian origin.
He will also meet with representatives of the Canadian business community and investors, particularly from the creative and technology sectors.
Nigeria and Canada have maintained cordial bilateral relations over the years. Nigeria is Canada’s largest trading partner in Africa, and it has the only Bi-National Commission in Sub-Saharan Africa.
Osinbajo is expected to return to Abuja later this week, according to Akande.
