By Joke Kujenya
BRIEF DISTRUPTION marked a ceremonial welcome in Ankara on Tuesday when President Bola Tinubu slightly slipped and fell during a parade organised for his reception in the Turkish capital.
The incident occurred as the Nigerian leader walked alongside Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and joined the guard of honour.
JKNewsMedia.com reports that Nigeria’s President Tinubu appeared to have missed his step and briefly lost balance before officials and surrounding security operatives quickly assisted him to his feet.
There was a short distraction following the trip, after which the ceremony continued without further disruption.
Tinubu arrived at the Turkish presidential palace in a black limousine.
Immediately after he alighted from the vehicle, a military band played Nigeria’s national anthem, followed by the Turkish national anthem.
After the rendition, there was a moment when the Turkish president used his hands to adjust Tinubu’s body to properly face the band.
Presidential spokesperson, Bayo Onanuga, noted that the Nigerian president is in Turkey to consolidate relations with the country and explore new areas of cooperation.
During the visit, Tinubu will hold bilateral talks with his host, President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on trade, security, investment and regional cooperation.
Theor meet will also feature the signing of several Memoranda of Understanding (MoU) between the two nations, alongside other high level official engagements.
Tinubu departed Abuja for the state visit on Monday as the presidency said the visit was meant to strengthen the existing cordial relations between the two countries and explore further areas of cooperation in security, education, social development, innovation and aviation.
Onanuga also said finance, communication, trade and investment would dominate political and diplomatic discussions during the visit.
