First Lady welcomes Taiwan’s Chief of Mission, urges stronger cultural, trade ties

First Lady Senator Oluremi Tinubu has urged members of the diplomatic corps in Nigeria to explore and experience the country’s rich cultural heritage, fashion, cuisine, and traditions, which she described as unmatched in diversity and depth.

Senator Tinubu made this call on Friday while receiving the Chief of Mission of Taiwan to Nigeria, Mr. Andy Yih-Pin Liu, at the State House in Abuja.

Welcoming Mr. Liu back to Nigeria following his first posting in 1993, the First Lady praised the sustained enthusiasm on both sides to deepen trade and cultural cooperation. 

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According to a statement by her Senior Special Assistant on Media Busola Kukoyi, the First Lady emphasised that Nigeria’s strength lies in its unity through diversity, noting that enhanced cultural exchanges can foster stronger people-to-people ties.

 Liu expressed Taiwan’s renewed commitment to partner with the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, particularly in transforming Nigeria’s South-East region into a high-tech industrial zone, a vision he described as the “Taiwan of Africa.”

Despite the absence of formal diplomatic ties, the Chief of Mission noted that the two countries have continued to engage fruitfully through a 1990 Memorandum of Understanding that facilitates bilateral trade. 

He disclosed that trade volume between Nigeria and Taiwan reached approximately $400 million by the end of the first quarter of 2024.

Mr. Liu also outlined Taiwan’s readiness to expand its footprint in Nigeria, especially in critical sectors such as health, education, and technology. 

He said Taiwan, a country with limited natural resources, has relied on innovation, modern technology, and a strong educational base to achieve rapid development—capabilities it is eager to share with Nigeria.

The meeting concluded with an exchange of gifts between the First Lady and the visiting diplomat, symbolizing goodwill and mutual respect.

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Pix 1: The First Lady of Nigeria Senator Oluremi Tinubu in a warm handshake with Taiwan Chief of Mission to Nigeria Andy Yih-Pin Liu when he visited the First Lady at the State House, Aso Villa on Friday 1st August, 2025

Pix 2: The First Lady of Nigeria Senator Oluremi Tinubu with Taiwan Chief of Mission to Nigeria Andy Yih-Pin Liu when he visited the First Lady at the State House, Aso Villa on Friday 1st August, 2025

Pix 3: The First Lady of Nigeria Senator Oluremi Tinubu speaking with Taiwan Chief of Mission to Nigeria Andy Yih-Pin Liu when he visited the First Lady at the State House, Aso Villa on Friday 1st August, 2025

Pix 4: The First Lady of Nigeria Senator Oluremi Tinubu in a warm handshake with Taiwan Chief of Mission to Nigeria Andy Yih-Pin Liu when he visited the First Lady at the State House, Aso Villa on Friday 1st August, 2025