Tinubu hails Nigerians’ resilience at exhibition of modern art in UK

*The United Kingdom Government affirms the annual trade volume between Nigeria and the foreign country has reached £8.1 billion, with over half a million Nigerians contributing to the cultural and economic life

Isola Moses | ConsumerConnect

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, in London, United Kingdom (UK) Thursday, March 19, 2026, appreciated the creativity and resilience of Nigerians as they reinvented the images of the past into modern history.

Tinubu made the commendation at Tate Modern during a reception organised by the British Government as part of activities to mark his two-day historic State Visit, and to celebrate the industry of Nigerians, who are contributing significantly to development of the country.

The President said: “The theme of the exhibition, “Nigeria’s Modernism”, is more than just a title for an art show.

“It is a testament to revolution.

“It tells the story of a generation of Nigerian giants, who in the middle of the 20th Century refused to be despised but chose to define themselves.”

He also applauded the creative ingenuity of Nigerians, who have created a timeless and enduring body of works through the fusion of the ancient and the modern at the exhibition.

Mr. Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, in a statement Friday, March 20, 2026, also noted President Tinubu used the occasion to assure the gathering that the Nigerian economy had navigated its way out of the dark tunnel of economic uncertainty and hopelessness.

The Nigerian leader assured the global community that the country is now moving into the bright future that Nigerians expect to unfold ahead.

The President advised the gathering not to be carried away by certain negative indices often bandied about by naysayers.

He further affirmed his trust in Nigerian citizens’ capacity to excel anywhere.

Deputy PM Lammy: Nigeria, UK trade volume hits £8.1 billion

Earlier, Mr. David Lammy, UK Deputy Prime Minister, who organised the reception, had welcomed President Tinubu and Nigerian First Lady (Senator) Oluremi Tinubu.

Lammy emphasised the strong strategic partnership between the UK and Nigeria, marked by mutual respect and cooperation.

The Deputy Prime Minister also, said the annual trade volume between the two countries had reached £8.1 billion, with over half a million Nigerians contributing to the UK’s cultural and economic life.

He also highlighted Nigeria’s vibrant cultural influence globally, from art to entertainment.

Besides, the Deputy Prime Minister as well underscored the ambition and future focus of the UK-Nigeria relationship, as exemplified by the ongoing trade and investment dialogue.

Speaking at the event, Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, Chairman of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM), who moderated the event, highlighted a few accomplishments of Nigerians holding very important positions in the United Kingdom.

At the event were Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State; Governor of Ogun State, ; the Minister of Arts, Culture and the Creative Economy, Hannatu Musawa; Attorney-General and Minister for Justice, Prince Lateef Fagbemi; the Minister for Defence, Gen. Christopher Musa (Rtd.); and the Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo.

Others in attendance are Minister for Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Mr. Wale Edun; Minister for Industry, Trade and Investment, Dr. Jumoke Oduwole; Minister for Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa; Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Mrs. Bianca Ojukwu; National Security Adviser, Malam Nuhu Ribadu; and the Director-General of the National Intelligence Agency, Ambassador Mohammed Mohammed.

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