Abike Dabiri: Turkish officials surprised Tinubu’s stumble dominated Nigerian media

Abike Dabiri-Erewa, chairman of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission, says Turkish officials were surprised that President Bola Tinubu’s brief stumble during a welcome ceremony in Ankara became a major issue in Nigerian media.

Tinubu stumbled on Tuesday while walking alongside Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan during an official reception in Turkey’s capital. Officials at the ceremony quickly assisted the Nigerian leader and helped him regain balance.

After the rendition of both countries’ national anthems, President Erdogan was also seen adjusting Tinubu’s position to properly face the band.

The incident generated widespread attention across Nigerian newspapers, blogs, and social media platforms.

In a post on X on Wednesday, Dabiri-Erewa, who accompanied the president on the visit, said Turkish officials were shocked to learn that the moment had become a trending issue in Nigeria.

“One of them described it as silly and mischievous, and reiterated how their country was excited about the incredible success of the visit by @officialABAT, which is widely covered by their media here,” she wrote.

However, Tinubu’s stumble was also reported by some Turkish media outlets. Anadolu Ajansı, Turkey’s state-run news agency, carried a report on the incident.

Cumhuriyet, an independent Turkish newspaper, also reported it with the headline, “Nigerian President Tinubu fell at the welcoming ceremony at the Presidency.” Other outlets, including Nefes and Yeniçağ, published similar reports.

Despite the coverage, Turkish officials reportedly focused more on the outcomes of Tinubu’s visit and the bilateral engagements between both countries.