Nigeria’s vast natural resources, cultural heritage and economic potential could earn the country greater global recognition if properly managed, the First Lady, Oluremi Tinubu, has said.

She made the remarks in a video in which she compared Nigeria’s natural beauty and cultural richness with those of China, stressing that the country’s resources could deliver greater benefits if effectively harnessed.

“Nigeria is a very beautiful country, and our culture is also very rich, and we are blessed with resources,” she said.

The First Lady added that these resources could take Nigeria to the world stage if they were managed well, highlighting the importance of turning the country’s natural and cultural wealth into opportunities for national development.

She also spoke about Nigeria’s relationship with China, linking the engagement between the two countries to opportunities for trade and economic cooperation.

According to her, the idea of establishing a China Town in Nigeria was part of President Bola Tinubu’s concept of encouraging stronger bilateral trade relations between both countries.

She said the initiative reflected the need for Nigeria to engage with international partners in ways that could promote trade and deepen economic ties.

Mrs Tinubu also recalled personal connections with Chinese people dating back to the period when her husband worked with ExxonMobil.

Her comments place resource management and international trade at the centre of discussions on how Nigeria can translate its natural endowments and cultural attractions into broader economic opportunities.

However, achieving that potential would depend on effective management of the country’s resources and ensuring that economic partnerships translate into tangible benefits for Nigerians.