President Tinubu Departs Abuja on Türkiye Trip
By Wellington Jopelo
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has left Abuja for a state visit to the Republic of Türkiye, in a move aimed at strengthening relations between Nigeria and the European-Asian nation.
The President departed on Monday, accompanied by top government officials, including the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike; the Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila; and the Governor of Imo State, Hope Uzodinma.
The trip was made public by the President’s Special Adviser on Social Media, Dada Olusegun, who said the visit would focus on deepening cooperation between both countries in key areas such as security, education, innovation, aviation, and social development.
A short video shared online showed President Tinubu at the airport shortly before his departure.
According to the Presidency, the visit is also meant to build on the friendly relationship Nigeria already has with Türkiye. It will further open discussions on how both countries can work more closely in important sectors that affect growth and development.
The Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, also confirmed the trip, noting that it follows the state visit paid to Nigeria by Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan in October 2021.
The visit is expected to lead to new agreements and partnerships that could benefit both nations in the long run.