U.S Secretary of State, Antony Blinken, will commence a first African virtual trip to Nigeria and Kenya to meet with President Muhammadu Buhari today.

The spokesman of the U.S. Department of the State, Ned Price, in a statement yesterday, said the meeting would centre on strengthening democratic governance, building lasting security, and promoting economic ties and diversification.

Price said, Blinken would, during the visit, meet with Buhari and Nigerian Minister of Foreign Affairs, Geoffrey Onyeama, to reiterate the value of American/Nigeria bilateral relationship and discuss issues of shared importance.

He said Blincken would also underscore the shared goals of people-to-people connections, underpinned by the dynamic Nigerian diaspora in the United States, amplify and strengthen the relationship.

“Secretary Blinken will begin his virtual travel to Africa meeting with Young African Leadership Initiative (YALI) alumni. In a “Ten Questions with Tony” event, YALI alumni will have an opportunity to engage with the Secretary on a range of topics, including the role of youth in the future of Africa, economic development, democracy and good governance, climate change, and health”.

“Through YALI, the United States works with public, private sector, and civil society partners across the continent to develop initiatives and economic opportunities to support the creativity, innovativeness, and energy of Africa’s youth.

“Blinken said he will also participate in a health partnership event to underscore our collaboration to combat the pandemic as well as long-term U.S. investments in combatting infectious diseases.

“He will meet with a beneficiary of a PEPFAR program and a Nigerian health care worker,” the statement read in part.