Presidency Reassures: Tinubu ‘In Great Shape’ Following Brief Misstep in Türkiye

The Presidency has assured Nigerians that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu remains in good health and is fully engaged in his official state visit to Türkiye, despite a brief stumble during a ceremonial welcome in Ankara on Tuesday.

The reassurance came from the President’s Special Adviser on Media and Public Communication, Sunday Dare, who confirmed that the President proceeded seamlessly from the reception ceremony to scheduled bilateral engagements with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan and other top government officials.

According to Dare, the ceremonial programme concluded as planned, after which President Tinubu moved on to high-level talks aimed at strengthening diplomatic ties and expanding cooperation between both countries. The discussions focus on key areas such as defence and security, trade and investment, energy, and broader economic development.

Presidential spokesperson Bayo Onanuga also addressed public concerns, explaining that the momentary loss of balance occurred when the President stepped on a metal object on the floor. He described the incident as minor and inconsequential, stressing that it did not in any way affect the President’s activities or health.

Video footage shared by Turkish digital outlet Nefes Gazetesi captured President Tinubu walking alongside President Erdoğan before briefly losing balance. Security personnel immediately offered support, and the ceremony continued without interruption.

The official welcome, which began around 5:00 pm local time, included the rendition of the Nigerian and Turkish national anthems and a 21-gun salute. After the ceremonial formalities, both leaders retired to a closed-door meeting to deliberate on issues of mutual national interest.

President Tinubu’s visit marks his first official trip to Türkiye and follows President Erdoğan’s visit to Nigeria in October 2021. The engagement aims to deepen long-standing relations between both nations and explore new opportunities for collaboration.

The visit’s agenda includes political and diplomatic consultations, alongside discussions on shared priorities in finance, communication, trade and investment. Officials from both countries are expected to sign several memoranda of understanding covering areas such as scientific research, energy, technical cooperation, media, military affairs and diplomatic protocol. A business forum is also scheduled to connect Nigerian and Turkish investors and promote economic partnerships.

Senior Nigerian officials present to receive the President at his hotel included the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN); the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Wale Edun; the Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dele Alake; and the Minister of Defence, General Christopher Musa (retd).