Yusuf Sulaiman
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has returned to Abuja after a ten-day working visit that blended high-level investor engagements, national celebrations, and outreach across multiple states — a tour that underscored his administration’s focus on economic revitalization, cultural renewal, and national cohesion.
The President, who arrived in Lagos on Friday, September 26, after attending the coronation of the Olubadan of Ibadanland, His Imperial Majesty Oba Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja, spent the week advancing key discussions aimed at strengthening Nigeria’s investment and maritime sectors.
Engaging Global Investors
While in Lagos, President Tinubu held strategic talks with global and local business leaders, including Mr. Bayo Ogunlesi, Chief Executive Officer of Global Infrastructure Partners, and Mr. Keem Belo-Osagie, former Chairman of UBA and Etisalat, and now Chairman of Metis Capital Partners.
The engagements, according to the Presidency, were part of ongoing efforts to attract large-scale foreign investments into critical sectors of the Nigerian economy, particularly infrastructure, energy, and innovation.
Reaffirming Maritime Commitment
The President also hosted the Secretary-General of the International Maritime Organisation (IMO), Mr. Arsenio Dominguez, alongside the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, and heads of relevant agencies.
During the meeting, Tinubu reiterated his administration’s determination to transform Nigeria’s maritime industry into a global logistics hub, describing it as a “viable and sustainable alternative to fossil energy.”
National Day Activities and Project Commissioning
On the eve of Nigeria’s 65th Independence Anniversary, President Tinubu traveled to Imo State, where he commissioned several development projects executed by Governor Hope Uzodimma. He also unveiled a book authored by the governor, which chronicles a decade of APC governance in Nigeria.
The President later delivered his Independence Day broadcast from the historic State House, Dodan Barracks, urging Nigerians to remain hopeful and united in the pursuit of national progress.
Celebrating the Arts and Culture
Still in Lagos, Tinubu commissioned the newly renovated National Theatre, now renamed the Wole Soyinka Centre for Culture and the Creative Arts, in honor of Nigeria’s Nobel Laureate.
Addressing artists and cultural stakeholders, the President called on Nigerians to “speak positively about their country,” emphasizing that national rebranding begins with citizens projecting optimism and confidence in the nation’s potential.
A Message of Unity in Jos
On Saturday, October 4, President Tinubu was in Jos, Plateau State, where he attended the funeral of Mama Lydia Yilwatda, mother of Professor Nentawe Yilwatda, the APC chairman.
At the event, the President paid heartfelt tribute to Mama Yilwatda’s life of faith and service, while using the occasion to reaffirm his administration’s commitment to fairness, inclusion, and religious harmony, especially among Christian communities in Northern Nigeria.
> “My mission is to unite Nigerians, irrespective of faith or ethnicity. Every citizen deserves equal dignity and opportunity under this administration,” Tinubu assured.
Back to the Capital
With his return to Abuja on October 6, President Tinubu is expected to resume full official duties at the State House, focusing on the implementation of key outcomes from his recent engagements — particularly in the areas of investment facilitation, maritime development, and cultural diplomacy.
His ten-day working tour, observers note, reflects a leadership style that combines hands-on governance with strategic outreach — reaffirming the administration’s vision of a Nigeria that is globally competitive, economically dynamic, and socially united.
