Tinubu Continues Bilateral Engagements in Turkey After Brief Stumble

President Bola Tinubu proceeded with scheduled bilateral engagements in Turkey after a brief misstep during a ceremonial welcome in Ankara, presidential aides have confirmed.

A short video circulating online showed the Nigerian leader momentarily losing his footing while walking alongside Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan. The incident sparked concern on social media before officials clarified that the president quickly regained his balance and was unharmed.

The Senior Special Assistant to the President on Social Media, Dada Olusegun, said the incident was minor and had no impact on the president’s official activities. He confirmed that President Tinubu went on to participate fully in bilateral meetings and addressed a joint press conference with his Turkish counterpart.

Similarly, the Special Adviser on Media and Public Communication, Sunday Dare, said the president moved directly from the ceremonial reception to scheduled talks with Turkish officials, dismissing concerns about his health or capacity.

During the visit, President Tinubu and President Erdoğan held high-level discussions focused on strengthening diplomatic and economic ties between Nigeria and Turkey. Areas of engagement included security cooperation, education, trade, investment, aviation, innovation, and social development.

The president arrived at the Turkish presidential palace in an official convoy and was received with full state honours, including the rendition of the Nigerian and Turkish national anthems.

Officials said the visit was aimed at deepening existing relations between both countries and exploring new opportunities for collaboration across key sectors critical to Nigeria’s development agenda.