President Bola Tinubu arrived in Lagos early Friday to celebrate Eid-el-Fitr with Muslim faithful, capping a historic two-day state visit to the United Kingdom—the first by a Nigerian leader in 37 years.
In a State House press release signed by the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the President and First Lady, Oluremi Tinubu, touched down at the Presidential Wing of Murtala Mohammed International Airport at 1:15 a.m. They were warmly received by Lagos Deputy Governor Femi Hamzat, Chief of Staff Rt. Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila, wife of the Governor, Dr Claudiana Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu, and prominent APC leaders.
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Tinubu is scheduled to lead Eid prayers at the Dodan Barracks prayer ground later on Friday morning. In his Sallah message, he urged Nigerian Muslims to embrace Ramadan’s lessons of piety, empathy, and unity. “We have a lot to draw from the noble lessons of Ramadan, especially at a time like this,” he said. “We must continue to abide by the virtues of piety, selflessness, perseverance, kindness, and compassion beyond this period.”
The trip yielded a major £746 million deal with UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer to refurbish two key Lagos ports, following talks at Downing Street on trade, the economy, climate change, terrorism, and global challenges. Tinubu described the visit as “very thrilling and significant” for bilateral ties, noting Nigeria’s enduring institutional benefits from the UK.
Hosted by King Charles III and Queen Camilla at Windsor Castle, the president attended a state banquet. He reviewed a guard of honour and received a 42-gun salute from the King’s Troop Royal Horse Artillery. “Our two nations share a vision of progress and resilience,” Tinubu remarked. “Today, we continue that journey, committed to building a future rooted in partnership, mutual respect, and common values.”
