Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, Imo State Governor and Chairman of Progressive Governors Forum, Hope Uzodimma and Minister of Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike joined top government leaders yesterday to bid farewell to President Bola Tinubu at Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, as he jetted off for a crucial state visit to Türkiye to boost Nigeria’s diplomatic and economic ties.

President Tinubu’s aircraft lifted off from the Presidential Wing at exactly 2:05pm.

Others at the airport were Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Atiku Bagudu; Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila; National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu; and the Special Adviser to the President on Media and Public Communication, Sunday Dare.

An earlier statement by Special Adviser on Information and Strategy Bayo Onanuga detailed the visit’s focus: “Consolidating cordial ties while exploring new cooperation in security, education, social development, innovation, and aviation.” President Tinubu will engage Turkish leaders, building on President Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s 2021 visit to Nigeria.

High-level talks will lead to memoranda of understanding on scientific research, energy, technical cooperation, media, communications, military collaboration, and diplomatic protocol. A business forum will connect Nigerian and Turkish investors to expand trade.

In the President’s delegation are Minister of Foreign Affairs Yusuf Tuggar, Attorney General Lateef Fagbemi, Defence Minister General Christopher Musa (retd), House Defence Committee Chairman Jimi Benson, Women Affairs Minister Imaan Suleiman-Ibrahim, Interior Minister Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, Culture Minister Hannatu Musawa, Ribadu and NIA DG, Mohammed Mohammed. (The Sun)

PHOTO: L-R: President Bola Tinubu; Chief of Staff to the President Rt-Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila; Secretary to the Government of the Federation, (SGF), Senator George Akume; Imo State Governor Hope Uzodimma, and FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, during the President’s departure for a state visit to the Republic of Türkiye, at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport Abuja Monday.

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