Presidency assures on Tinubu, says Türkiye state visit on course

By Muhyideen Jimoh

The Presidency on Tuesday clarified that President Bola Tinubu is hale and hearty and proceeding with his scheduled state visit to Turkiye according to plan.

This followed a minor incident in which the President missed his step while walking with President Recep Tayyip Erdogan during a reception for him in Ankara.

Bayo who was responding to Tinubu’s wellbeing following the incident clarified that the President merely stepped on a an object, resulting in a minor loss of balance.

“The President stepped on a metal on the floor, which made him lose his balance,” Onanuga said.

“This is not a big deal, except for those who want to make mischief out of a fleeting incident.”

“It was a mere stumble, thank God, not a fall,” he added.

The Presidency therefore urged Nigerians to disregard attempts to sensationalise the minor incident, stressing that the President remains fit and fully engaged.

Giving further update on Tinubu’s engagement in Türkiye Special Adviser to the President on Media and Public Communication, Mr Sunday Dare, on his verified X handle said the Nigerian President proceeded from the ceremonial reception to scheduled bilateral meetings with President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and other senior officials.

“President Tinubu, after a stately welcome ceremony in Ankara, proceeded to scheduled bilateral meetings with the President of Türkiye and other senior government officials,” the Presidency said.

The meetings are aimed at deepening diplomatic relations and expanding cooperation across strategic sectors.

Areas of engagement include defence and security, trade and investment, energy, and broader economic development.

The smooth progression of the visit reflects growing ties between Nigeria and Türkiye and underscores Nigeria’s renewed diplomatic outreach under President Tinubu.

(NAN)