Following a minor stumble during his reception in Ankara, the Presidency has assured the public that President Bola Tinubu is well and continuing his state visit to Türkiye according to plan.
The President briefly lost his balance while walking with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, an incident spokesperson Bayo Onanuga attributed to a misplaced object on the floor.
Onanuga emphasized that the President is “hale and hearty” and fully engaged in his diplomatic duties.
“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.
Mr. Sunday Dare, Special Adviser on Media and Public Communication, took to X on Tuesday to update the public on the President’s itinerary.
He noted that following the formal welcome, President Tinubu proceeded immediately to scheduled diplomatic talks with President Erdoğan and senior members of the Turkish government, signaling that the state visit is progressing as planned.
“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.
Persecondnews reports that a viral video had revealed Tinubu’s reception stumble with state officials and security men lifting him.
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