President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has commended the resilience and creativity of Nigerians during a reception held at the Tate Modern in London, organised by the British government in honour of his state visit.

In a statement released by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the president spoke at an exhibition themed “Nigeria’s Modernism,” where he highlighted how Nigerians have redefined historical narratives into enduring modern expressions.

Tinubu described the exhibition as a reflection of a transformative era, noting that Nigerian pioneers of the mid-20th century rejected marginalisation and instead shaped their own identity through art and culture.

He praised the blending of traditional and contemporary elements in Nigerian art, describing it as a timeless showcase of the country’s innovation and cultural richness.

The president also expressed optimism about Nigeria’s economic direction, stating that the country is moving beyond a period of uncertainty toward a more promising future. He urged critics to disregard negative perceptions and remain confident in the nation’s potential.

The event was hosted by UK Deputy Prime Minister David Lammy, who welcomed the president and First Lady Oluremi Tinubu. He highlighted the strong relationship between both countries, noting that trade between the UK and Nigeria stands at £8.1 billion annually.

Lammy also acknowledged the contributions of over half a million Nigerians living in the UK, praising their influence on the country’s cultural and economic landscape while emphasising ongoing efforts to strengthen bilateral trade and investment ties.