Tinubu returns, receives tumultuous welcome in Lagos

President Bola Tinubu has returned to Nigeria after attending a summit for ‘A New Global Financing Pact’ in Paris, France.

Tinubu arrived at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport in, Lagos State on Tuesday, May 27, 2023.

The President, who left Nigeria for France on June 20, later departed Paris for London, the United Kingdom, for a private visit.

He was earlier expected to return to Abuja last Saturday but his spokesman, Dele Alake, in a statement, announced that the number one Nigerian citizen had proceeded to London.

Alake added President Tinubu would return to Nigeria “in time” for the Eid-el-Kabir celebration slated for Wednesday, June 28.

As Tinubu’s convoy made its way from Ikeja to his private residence in Bourdillon, Ikoyi, Lagosians lined the road from Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA), enthusiastically waving and expressing their joy.

This marks the President’s first visit to Lagos since his inauguration as Nigeria’s 16th President on May 29, 2023.

Upon his arrival at the presidential wing of MMIA, Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State, Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila, Acting Inspector-General of Police Olukayode Egbetokun, National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, Senators and Representatives from Lagos State, as well as party officials warmly received President Tinubu.

The 81 Division of the Nigerian Army in conjunction with personnel from the Nigerian Navy and Nigerian Air Force also mounted a guard of honour for him, while the standing troupe of the Lagos State Council for Arts and Culture entertained guests.

Tinubu is scheduled to join fellow Muslim faithful for the Eid prayers on Wednesday at the Obalende Eid Prayer Ground, located at Dodan Barracks, the former seat of the Nigerian government.

The Star