By Jeremy Fregene
President Bola Tinubu returned to Nigeria on Tuesday after a four-week working vacation in Europe, declaring himself healthy, energised and ready to resume full-scale official duties.
“I’m back—ready to kick, ready for work. There’s nothing wrong. Rumours will always emanate from politics. But the fact is that I’m here. Healthy, sound and ready to go,” the President said on his arrival.
Tinubu’s presidential aircraft touched down at the Presidential Wing of the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos, at about 6:22 p.m., bringing an end to weeks of speculation in some political circles over his extended stay abroad.
The President’s upbeat remarks appeared aimed at putting the rumours firmly behind him as he prepares for a busy period of official and political engagements.
Tinubu, who departed Abuja on August 30, spent about a week in London before proceeding to Paris, France, where the Presidency said he combined his vacation with official and investment-related engagements.
While in Paris, the President met French President Emmanuel Macron and held discussions with prominent business leaders, including Vincent Bolloré, whose business interests span logistics, media and entertainment.
The Presidency said Tinubu also continued to attend to affairs of state while abroad, including engagements connected with efforts to attract major investments into Nigeria.
Last week, the President witnessed the signing of a memorandum of understanding between the Ogun State Government and global ports and logistics operator DP World for the development of the Gateway Deep Seaport and Blue Marine Special Economic Zone in Ogun Waterside.
The Presidency said the projects could attract about $7 billion in investment, further strengthening the administration’s drive to position Nigeria as a major destination for international capital.
Tinubu is expected to remain in Lagos for activities marking Nigeria’s 66th Independence Anniversary on October 1.
According to his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the President chose Lagos as his first destination on his return partly to honour the memory of Chief MKO Abiola, widely regarded as a symbol of Nigeria’s democratic struggle.
On Independence Day, Tinubu is expected to attend the premiere of a film honouring Abiola, winner of the annulled June 12, 1993 presidential election, at the Wole Soyinka National Theatre, Iganmu.
The President is also expected to hold a series of strategic meetings with political leaders and associates in Lagos before returning to Abuja.
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