There was apprehension yesterday, as President Bola Tinubu briefly stumbled during an official welcome ceremony in Ankara, Turkey.
The incident happened as the Nigerian leader walked alongside Turkish President, Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, at the ceremony marking the start of Tinubu’s visit.
Witnesses said the President appeared to miss a step, causing him to lose his balance. Tinubu was however quickly supported by aides and protocol officials, allowing him to regain his balance. He continued with the programme shortly afterward without further incident.
The President, who arrived in Ankara on a state visit on Monday night, was received at Ankara Esenboga Airport by a Turkish government delegation led by the Minister of National Education, Yusuf Tekin, and other embassy officials.
President Tinubu’s visit, according to his spokesperson, Bayo Onanuga, was aimed at strengthening the existing cordial relations between Nigeria and the Republic of Türkiye, and exploring further areas of cooperation to advance a mutually beneficial partnership.
Onanuga, in a statement issued on Monday, said the President would hold discussions with Erdogan during his visit. “There will also be the signing of Memoranda of Understanding between the two countries, among other engagements”, he added.
The visit forms part of ongoing diplomatic engagements between Nigeria and Turkey.
