A cross-section of Nigerians living in the United Kingdom has declared strong support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, describing his state visit to Britain as a historic moment for the country and its diaspora community.

Gathered near key ceremonial locations in London, the supporters waved Nigerian flags and chanted pro-government slogans as they awaited the President’s engagements with British authorities. Many of them framed the visit as a rare opportunity to showcase Nigeria’s evolving democracy and to deepen ties with one of its oldest international partners.

Dr Mary Mena, founder of the advocacy group Women Our Voice Our Vote, said the occasion carried deep emotional and political significance. She recalled that it had been nearly four decades since a Nigerian leader last undertook a full state visit to the United Kingdom, arguing that such high-level diplomacy was long overdue.

According to her, the turnout of UK-based Nigerians was a deliberate show of confidence in Tinubu’s leadership and his Renewed Hope Agenda. She noted that many in the crowd had grown up hearing about previous state visits only through history and television, and were determined to be physically present this time to register their support.

The group’s National Coordinator, Judy Bonart, stressed that the women’s movement backing Tinubu is focused on empowerment and political participation. She said members wanted the President to see that Nigerian women in the diaspora are organised, engaged and ready to partner with his administration on issues ranging from economic inclusion to social welfare.

Another supporter, UK-based Nigerian professional Taiwo Aiyedun, described the visit as a strategic step in Nigeria’s efforts to negotiate with global powers on security, trade and investment. He argued that direct engagement with influential nations was essential to tackling domestic challenges such as insecurity and unemployment.

Aiyedun urged critics of the visit to adopt what he called “constructive criticism,” insisting that the President’s presence in London was aimed at securing tangible benefits for Nigerians at home and abroad, not at ceremonial pageantry.

The visit includes high-level meetings and ceremonial events, underscoring a renewed push to strengthen bilateral relations between Nigeria and the United Kingdom in areas such as defence cooperation, economic partnerships and educational exchange.