Amanze Chinonye
Nigerian President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Tuesday briefly lost his balance and fell during an official welcome ceremony at the Presidential Complex in Ankara, where he was being formally received by Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan as part of his ongoing state visit to Türkiye, Prime Business Africa reports.
The incident occurred during the ceremonial reception and inspection of the guard of honour shortly after both leaders observed the national anthems. Video footage from the event, which has since circulated widely on social media, shows President Tinubu momentarily missing his footing and going down before aides and protocol officials quickly assisted him.
READ ALSO : Tinubu Arrives Ankara for State Visit, Targets Expanded Nigeria–Türkiye Trade, Security Ties
Join our WhatsApp ChannelThe president regained his balance almost immediately and continued with the ceremony and other scheduled activities without interruption.
In a swift response, Nigerian presidency sources confirmed that President Tinubu was not injured and remains in good health. Officials described the incident as a minor slip, attributing it to the ceremonial setting, including the carpeted area at the venue, and dismissed suggestions of any medical emergency.
The presidency further stated that Tinubu proceeded with his official engagements, including bilateral talks with President Erdoğan and other high-level meetings aimed at strengthening diplomatic, economic, and security cooperation between Nigeria and Türkiye.
President Tinubu arrived in Ankara on Monday night for the state visit, which includes discussions on trade, investment, defence cooperation, and the signing of memoranda of understanding between both countries.
Despite the brief mishap, officials on both sides indicated that the visit is progressing as planned, with attention firmly focused on advancing Nigeria–Türkiye relations.
Amanze Chinonye is a Staff Correspondent at Prime Business Africa, a rising star in the literary world, weaving captivating stories that transport readers to the vibrant landscapes of Nigeria and the rest of Africa. With a unique voice that blends with the newspaper's tradition and style, Chinonye's writing is a masterful exploration of the human condition, delving into themes of identity, culture, and social justice. Through her words, Chinonye paints vivid portraits of everyday African life, from the bustling markets of Nigeria's Lagos to the quiet villages of South Africa's countryside . With a keen eye for detail and a deep understanding of the complexities of Nigerian society, Chinonye's writing is both a testament to the country's rich cultural heritage and a powerful call to action for a brighter future. As a writer, Chinonye is a true storyteller, using her dexterity to educate, inspire, and uplift readers around the world.
