As President Bola Tinubu returned to Nigeria after a two-week working vacation in the United Kingdom and France, his Chief of Staff, Mr. Femi Gbajabiamila, assured Nigerians that they would soon begin to see the benefits of the President’s hard work over the past 17 months. Speaking shortly after the President’s arrival in Abuja, Gbajabiamila described Tinubu as a “well-rested” leader, ready to elevate Nigeria to a new level. “He’s back to continue from where he left off in terms of putting policies in place and making sure things are done right,” Gbajabiamila said.
The President’s jet touched down at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja at approximately 7:20 p.m. on Saturday evening. Tinubu’s return marked the end of a break that he used for both rest and reflection on his administration’s economic reforms. Gbajabiamila emphasized that the President was now “rejuvenated” and prepared to drive the country forward. “He’s the captain of the plane, and he’s working to get to a cruising level, which is precisely where we’re going,” he stated, underscoring the President’s renewed vigor.
The Chief of Staff’s remarks reflect a confident outlook for the future of Nigeria under Tinubu’s leadership. According to Gbajabiamila, the President’s work over the past year and a half has been demanding, making the short break necessary. “The kind of work he’s been doing in the last year and a half requires some rest,” he explained, before adding that Tinubu had managed to combine relaxation with continued work during his time abroad. “It was even just a working holiday anyway, so he was working and resting at the same time.”
On October 2, President Tinubu had left Abuja for the UK, where he spent a significant portion of his vacation engaging in meetings aimed at strengthening Nigeria’s international relationships and reflecting on the nation’s economic policies. A statement from his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, had confirmed the nature of the trip. “He will use the two weeks as a working vacation and a retreat to reflect on his administration’s economic reforms,” the statement read.
Following his stay in the UK, President Tinubu traveled to Paris on October 11 for what his Senior Special Assistant on Political and Other Matters, Ibrahim Masari, described as “an important engagement.” His time in both the UK and France demonstrated a continued focus on global diplomacy, as well as maintaining Nigeria’s standing in international affairs.
Upon his return, the President was warmly welcomed by a host of government officials, including the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Mr. Nyesom Wike, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, and Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu. Other key figures who were present included the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress, Dr. Abdullahi Ganduje, and key ministers such as Wale Edun (Finance) and Abubakar Atiku Bagudu (Budget and Economic Planning).
Gbajabiamila wrapped up the welcoming remarks by reiterating that the President’s return would usher in a new phase of leadership for the country. “All hands are back on deck, and he’s ready to go,” he affirmed. The Chief of Staff’s confidence that Nigerians will soon see the fruits of Tinubu’s efforts provides a hopeful outlook for the future, as the nation looks to build on the work already accomplished. “Let’s all be expectant and hopeful,” Gbajabiamila concluded, “and we’ve been living the renewed hope.”
