LAGOS, Nigeria – President Bola Tinubu of Nigeria returned to Lagos after a trip to France and the United Kingdom, and was greeted with enthusiasm by hundreds of All Progressives Congress, APC, members and Lagosians.
His arrival has also led to a surge in politicians lobbying for ministerial appointments.
President Tinubu attended the Financial Pact Summit on “A New Global Financing Pact” in France before heading to London for a private visit.
He arrived at the presidential wing of the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, MMA, in Lagos around 5:08 pm on Tuesday, June 27, 2023.
This marks President Tinubu’s first visit to Lagos since his inauguration as Nigeria’s 16th President on May 29, 2023.
Notable figures such as 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, along with party officials, were present to welcome President Tinubu.
A guard of honor was mounted by the 81 Division of the Nigerian Army in conjunction with personnel from the Nigerian Navy and Nigerian Air Force, and a troupe from the Lagos State Council for Arts and Culture entertained guests.
President Tinubu expressed his gratitude for the warm reception and is scheduled to join fellow Muslims for the Eid prayers at the Obalende Eid Prayer Ground.
Hotels and apartments near President Tinubu’s private residence in Ikoyi have reportedly been fully booked by politicians seeking appointments.
It is anticipated that the President will submit the names of his ministerial nominees to the Senate within the next two weeks.
Sources say the list may include more women and youths than ever before, along with some former governors such as Kayode Fayemi, Abdullahi Ganduje, Nasir El-Rufai, Ikedi Ohakim, Gboyega Oyetola, and possibly Nyesom Wike.
In a statement, President Tinubu called on Muslim faithful to show compassion towards fellow humans during the Eid-el-Kabir celebrations, acknowledging the challenges facing the country, particularly economic struggles and security issues.
He assured Nigerians that his administration is actively working on solutions.
President Tinubu urged Nigerians to embody values such as devotion, tolerance, patience, perseverance, selflessness, love, and compassion, and expressed confidence in a brighter future through reforms and economic growth.
