Ankara, Turkey — A brief disruption occurred during the ceremonial welcome parade for President Bola Tinubu in Ankara on Tuesday when the Nigerian leader slightly slipped and briefly lost his balance. The incident took place as President Tinubu walked alongside Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan during a Guard of Honour at the Turkish Presidential Palace.
According to JKNewsMedia, Tinubu appeared to miss his step, but surrounding officials and security personnel quickly assisted him to his feet. The slip caused a short distraction, but the ceremony resumed smoothly afterward without further incident.
Tinubu, who arrived at the palace in a black limousine, was greeted by a military band playing Nigeria’s national anthem, followed by the Turkish national anthem. After the anthems, a moment of adjustment occurred when President Erdoğan gently guided Tinubu to face the band properly.
Presidential spokesperson Bayo Onanuga confirmed that the visit is aimed at strengthening relations between Nigeria and Turkey, with a focus on trade, security, investment, and regional cooperation. Several Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) will be signed, and high-level talks are scheduled during the visit.
The state visit also seeks to deepen cooperation in security, education, social development, and other key sectors, as President Tinubu departed Abuja on Monday for the official engagement.
