Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, on Wednesday received the newly appointed Belgian Ambassador to Nigeria, Patrick Englebert, and his wife, Mrs Nkazabwa Nkandali, on a courtesy visit at his Ikolaba private residence in Ibadan.
Discussions between the two leaders focused on strengthening economic and development cooperation between Belgium and the state.
Makinde disclosed this in a post on his official Facebook page on Wednesday following the ambassador’s visit.
Makinde noted that the meeting provided an opportunity to explore ways of deepening the existing relationship between the Belgian government and Oyo State.
The governor said discussions centred on strategic areas of international development cooperation, particularly agribusiness, education and technology.
He described the visit as an opportunity to further build on existing partnerships and identify areas where Belgium and Oyo State could collaborate to promote sustainable development and economic growth.
“Pleased to receive the new Belgian Ambassador to Nigeria, H.E. Patrick Englebert and his wife, Mrs Nkazabwa Nkandali, on a courtesy visit this morning,” Makinde said.
“We discussed strengthening the existing relationship between Belgium and the Oyo State Government in diverse areas of international development cooperation including agribusiness, education and technology.”
The engagement comes as the Makinde administration continues to place emphasis on expanding investment opportunities and leveraging international partnerships to support economic development across the state.
Agribusiness, education and technology remain critical areas for Oyo State, particularly in efforts to improve agricultural productivity, develop human capital and accelerate technology-driven economic activities.
The visit by the Belgian envoy is expected to provide further opportunities for collaboration between the state and Belgian institutions, businesses and development partners in areas of mutual interest.
Belgium has maintained diplomatic and development relations with Nigeria, with cooperation spanning trade, investment, development assistance, education and other sectors.