Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has reaffirmed her commitment to women’s empowerment and entrepreneurship, receiving the Russian Chapter of the BRICS Women’s Business Alliance at the State House in Abuja. The delegation, led by Chairperson Anna Nesterova, expressed readiness to collaborate with Nigeria across various sectors, including pharmaceuticals, film co-production, labor mobility, financial literacy, and AI-driven healthcare.

The meeting was announced by Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, on her official social media handle. Senator Tinubu highlighted her humanitarian work through the Renewed Hope Initiative, emphasizing that ministries, departments, and agencies remain the primary drivers of government policy and economic programs. She assured the delegation of her office’s continued advocacy and encouragement for women’s empowerment and entrepreneurship.

The Russian Chapter of the BRICS Women’s Business Alliance plans to establish a regional office in Nigeria, serving as a gateway for women entrepreneurs to access international markets. Nesterova praised Senator Tinubu as an “incredible woman” who is paving the way for a prosperous future for the Nigerian people. The Alliance also donated 1,000 labor and delivery kits to support maternal health in Nigeria.

The technical session held at the State House Banquet Hall focused on strengthening bilateral ties and exploring investment opportunities between Nigeria and Russia. The engagement marks a new chapter in Nigeria-Russia relations, with a deliberate agenda to deliver actionable frameworks for cooperation and joint ventures. Officials noted that this collaboration aligns with the Renewed Hope Agenda on foreign policy, partnerships, and economic diversification.

The BRICS Women’s Business Alliance has a Common Digital Platform that connects over 3,000 businesswomen from 60 countries. Last year, 50 Nigerian women applied for the BRICS Women’s Startups Contest, demonstrating the growing interest in international collaboration and entrepreneurship. The Russian delegation included senior executives and academics from various fields, including pharmaceuticals, migration, and AI-driven healthcare.

The meeting between Senator Tinubu and the Russian Chapter of the BRICS Women’s Business Alliance signifies a significant step towards strengthening Nigeria-Russia relations and promoting women’s empowerment and entrepreneurship. As Nigeria continues to diversify its economy and explore new partnerships, this collaboration is expected to yield positive outcomes for both countries.