Ask Onix
Incident during Ankara welcome ceremony
Nigerian President Bola Tinubu stumbled and fell during an official reception in Ankara on Tuesday, though an aide confirmed he remained unharmed and proceeded with scheduled meetings.
Footage from Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan's official X account showed Tinubu, 73, walking past a line of soldiers and dignitaries before losing his balance. He was quickly assisted by those nearby, and the video later cut to an aerial shot before showing Tinubu standing beside Erdoğan 45 seconds later.
President's condition and official response
Aide Sunday Dare stated on X that Tinubu was "in great shape" and had moved on to bilateral discussions without issue. Presidential spokesman Bayo Onanuga later explained that Tinubu had stepped on a metal object on the ground, causing him to stumble.
"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."
Bayo Onanuga, Presidential Spokesman
Dare reinforced the message in a post on X, writing in all capital letters: "President Tinubu in great shape as state visit proceeds smoothly." He noted that after the ceremony, Tinubu attended meetings with Erdoğan and other Turkish officials.
Past incidents and public reaction
This is not the first time Tinubu has stumbled in public. In June 2024, he fell during another event but brushed it off with humor, joking that observers thought he was performing a popular dance move. At the time, an aide described it as a "mild misstep," and opposition figures, including Atiku Abubakar, expressed sympathy.
Politician Shehu Sani remarked that the incident demonstrated Tinubu's humanity, emphasizing that he was no different from anyone else.
Purpose of the Turkey visit
Tinubu's trip to Turkey aimed to bolster bilateral relations, according to a statement from his office ahead of his departure on Monday. Following the meeting between the two leaders, Turkey announced new agreements spanning economic, trade, and defense cooperation with Nigeria.
Key agreements and future collaboration
At a joint press conference, Erdoğan revealed that both nations reaffirmed a goal to increase bilateral trade to $5 billion. Additionally, the countries signed defense cooperation agreements, with Turkey pledging support for Nigeria's counter-militancy efforts, as well as enhanced military training and intelligence sharing.
"Nigeria remains open for serious partnership. Open to trade without barriers. Open to ideas, skills, and investment that create value and shared prosperity."
Bola Tinubu, Nigerian President
Tinubu assumed office in 2023 after defeating Abubakar in the presidential election.
