By BASHIR ADEFAKA
President Bola Tinubu returned from his seven-day trip abroad, on Tuesday, as his presidential jet touched ground at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Ikeja, Lagos for Eid-el-Adha celebration.
The DEFENDER reports that the President received a tumultuous welcome from a massive crowd of Nigerians in the Centre of Excellence upon his return.
It will be recalled that President Tinubu had reportedly travelled to Paris, France for the summit on ‘”A New Global Financing Pact” and had also made a brief private visit to London, United Kingdom capital after the summit.
As his convoy made its way to his private residence in Bourdillon, Ikoyi, Lagosians lined the road from Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA), Ikeja, as they enthusiastically waved and expressed their joy to see their President home especially at this period of Sallah festivity.
Reacting, President Tinubu expressed his profound gratitude to people for the overwhelming reception accorded him, conveying his best wishes to all Nigerians during the Eid-el-Adha celebrations.
In a statement issued to the effect, Special Adviser to the President on Special Duties, Communications and Strategy, Mr. Dele Alake, the event of Tuesday “marks the President’s first visit to Lagos since his inauguration as Nigeria’s 16th President on May 29, 2023.”
Upon his arrival at the presidential wing of MMIA, 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, as well as party officials warmly received President Tinubu.
The 81 Division of the Nigerian Army in conjunction with personnel from the Nigerian Navy and Nigerian Air Force also mounted a guard of honour for him, while the standing troupe of the Lagos State Council for Arts and Culture entertained guests.
President Tinubu is scheduled to join fellow Muslim faithful for the Eid prayers on Wednesday at the Obalende Eid Prayer Ground, located at Dodan Barracks, the former seat of the Nigerian government.
