Oluremi Tinubu hosts African First Ladies, celebrates culture at AFREXIM spouses’ event

By Kunle Sanni –

First Lady Oluremi Tinubu on Friday hosted spouses of African Heads of State at a cultural showcase held on the sidelines of the 32nd Annual Meeting of the African Export-Import Bank (AFREXIM) in Abuja.

The event, which took place at the Nike Art Gallery, brought together visiting First Ladies and dignitaries for an afternoon of art, fashion, dance, and cultural exchange—highlighting the intersection of commerce and culture in Africa’s development.

Senator Tinubu stressed the importance of the arts in fostering unity and strengthening cultural bonds across the continent.

“Our diversity—of culture, tribe, and tradition—is one of Africa’s greatest strengths,” she said. “Events like this remind us of the shared heritage we must preserve even as we pursue economic growth and development.”

Among the guests were the First Ladies of Malawi and Gabon, the wife of the Vice President of Tanzania, and a representative from Egypt. They were treated to a guided tour of the Nike Art Gallery and viewed exhibitions by Nigerian fashion designers and artists.

The event served as both a relaxed cultural engagement and a symbolic extension of the broader AFREXIM Bank summit, which promotes intra-African trade and economic cooperation.

“This is more than a social event; it is a cultural bridge aligned with the goals of the AFREXIM Bank meeting,” the First Lady added, emphasising that commerce and culture must work together for Africa’s prosperity.

The colourful event featured performances, local cuisine, and artisan displays that showcased Nigeria’s rich cultural heritage to the visiting dignitaries.