I’m Healthy, Ready To Work – Tinubu Speaks After Return To Lagos
President Bola Tinubu has dismissed concerns over his health and declared that he is “healthy and sound” after returning to Lagos from his working vacation in Europe.
Tinubu spoke on Tuesday evening shortly after arriving at the presidential wing of the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Ikeja, from Paris, France.
The president said he was ready to resume work after spending several weeks outside Nigeria.
“I enjoyed myself. I’m ready to kick. I’m ready to work.”
When asked about reports concerning his health, Tinubu said, “Well, rumour will always be emanating from politics. But, the fact remains I’m here. Healthy and sound.”
The President’s remarks came amid renewed speculation over his health following claims by the presidential candidate of the African Action Congress, Omoyele Sowore, that Tinubu had been hospitalised in France.
Sowore made the claim on Monday during an interview on Arise Television’s Prime Time, alleging that the President was undergoing treatment in France.
He, however, said he did not know the nature of the alleged ailment for which Tinubu was purportedly receiving treatment.
The Presidency had previously dismissed concerns about the President’s health, with his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, describing Tinubu as “hale and hearty.”
Onanuga had also cited the President’s activities in France as evidence of his continued official engagements during the period.
Among the issues linked to Tinubu’s activities in France was the proposed $7 billion deep-sea port project in Ogun Waterside, an initiative of the Ogun State Government.
The project is expected to attract substantial investment following agreements and discussions held in Paris.
Tinubu’s return to Nigeria on Tuesday brought an end to his European working vacation, which began with his departure from Abuja on August 30.
The President initially spent about a week in London before proceeding to Paris, where he continued his official engagements.
Rather than returning directly to Abuja, Tinubu travelled to Lagos, where he is expected to undertake a series of political and official engagements before heading back to the nation’s capital.
He was received at the Lagos airport by Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu and other dignitaries.
His arrival was also confirmed by his Special Assistant on Social Media, Olusegun Dada, who posted on X, “Landing. Welcome home Mr President!”
According to Onanuga, Tinubu is scheduled to meet political leaders and associates in Lagos over the coming days as part of preparations for the 2027 general elections.
“While in Lagos, President Tinubu will also hold strategic meetings with political leaders and associates over several days in preparation for the 2027 elections,” Onanuga said in a statement.
The president is also expected to participate in activities marking Nigeria’s 66th Independence Anniversary on October 1.
One of the scheduled engagements is the premiere of a movie celebrating the life and legacy of the late Chief Moshood Kashimawo Olawale Abiola at the Wole Soyinka National Theatre in Iganmu, Lagos.
The Presidency linked Tinubu’s decision to return through Lagos to plans to honour Abiola, who won the June 12, 1993 presidential election and later became a prominent figure in Nigeria’s pro-democracy struggle.
Tinubu’s Lagos engagements will therefore combine political meetings with activities linked to the Independence Day celebrations.
The president is expected to remain in Lagos for the engagements before returning to Abuja.
Reports of roadblocks and traffic disruptions emerged as security personnel prepared for the President’s movement within the city.
A lawyer and activist, Inibehe Effiong, raised concerns about the security arrangements in a post on X.
Effiong said he encountered an unusual roadblock mounted by security personnel while travelling to catch a flight in Abuja earlier on Tuesday.
The security arrangements added to the public attention surrounding Tinubu’s return after his extended stay in Europe.
