…the Presidency said the visit proceeded smoothly as planned.
ABUJA, NIGERIA- The iNews Times | The Presidency has dismissed concerns over reports that President Bola Tinubu stumbled during an official welcome ceremony in Ankara, Turkey, saying there was no cause for alarm.
A brief video that circulated online showed President Tinubu appearing to miss a step during the ceremony held to mark the start of his state visit to Turkey. The incident occurred as the Nigerian leader walked alongside Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan.
In the footage, President Tinubu momentarily lost his balance but was quickly assisted by nearby officials and immediately regained his footing. He continued with the programme shortly afterward without any further issues.
Despite the incident, the Presidency said the visit proceeded smoothly as planned. The trip is part of ongoing diplomatic engagements between Nigeria and Turkey.
When contacted, the Special Adviser to the President on Policy Communication, Daniel Bwala, confirmed that the President was in good condition, stating: “The President is currently addressing the press; he is fine.”
Similarly, the Special Adviser to the President on Media and Public Communication, Sunday Dare, assured the public that President Tinubu was in excellent shape. In a post on his X account, @SundayDareSD, titled “President Tinubu in great shape as state visit proceeds smoothly,” he said the President, following the ceremonial welcome in Ankara, went on to scheduled bilateral meetings with the Turkish President and other senior officials from both countries.
